WA SB6210

Authorizes the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to adopt additional "market factor certification criteria" for health plans sold on the exchange, addressing access and affordability issues beyond the 19 basic federal criteria established under the Affordable Care Act

Criteria may evaluate whether plans in each county are meaningfully different in cost-sharing, benefits, premiums, networks, and quality; offered by multiple carriers; maximizing federal tax credits; and efficiently using state premium assistance

Establishes a detailed timeline for plan year 2028 and beyond, including preliminary criteria due by December 15th two years prior, governor/commissioner objection period, public hearings, and final criteria published by March 1st of the year before implementation

Allows carriers to request waivers from market factor criteria by demonstrating good faith efforts to comply, with the exchange considering factors like network contracting barriers, premium impacts, and effects on Washington residents

Declares carrier information submitted for market factor certification confidential and exempt from public disclosure, and takes effect immediately as an emergency measure