# RCW 48.43.012: RCW 48.43.012: Health plans—Preexisting conditions—Rules

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S012

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 48.43.012
- **Heading:** RCW 48.43.012: Health plans—Preexisting conditions—Rules
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 48 / Chapter 43 / Section 012

## Text

(1) No carrier may reject an individual for an individual or group health benefit plan based upon preexisting conditions of the individual. (2) No carrier may deny, exclude, or otherwise limit coverage for an individual's preexisting health conditions including, but not limited to, preexisting condition exclusions or waiting periods. (3) No carrier may avoid the requirements of this section through the creation of a new rate classification or the modification of an existing rate classification. A new or changed rate classification will be deemed an attempt to avoid the provisions of this section if the new or changed classification would substantially discourage applications for coverage from individuals who are higher than average health risks. These provisions apply only to individuals who are Washington residents. (4) Unless preempted by federal law, the commissioner shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this section, consistent with federal rules and guidance in effect on January 1, 2017, implementing the patient protection and affordable care act.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 48.43.001 RCW 48.43.001: Intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S001.md)
- [RCW 48.43.005 RCW 48.43.005: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S005.md)
- [RCW 48.43.007 RCW 48.43.007: Availability of price and quality information—Transparency tools for members—Requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S007.md)
- [RCW 48.43.008 RCW 48.43.008: Enrollment in employer-sponsored health plan—Person eligible for medical assistance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S008.md)
- [RCW 48.43.009 RCW 48.43.009: Health care sharing ministries.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S009.md)
- [RCW 48.43.012 RCW 48.43.012: Health plans—Preexisting conditions—Rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S012.md)
- [RCW 48.43.016 RCW 48.43.016: Utilization management standards and criteria—Health carrier requirements—Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S016.md)
- [RCW 48.43.021 RCW 48.43.021: Personally identifiable health information—Restrictions on release.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S021.md)
- [RCW 48.43.022 RCW 48.43.022: Enrollee identification card—Social security number restriction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S022.md)
- [RCW 48.43.023 RCW 48.43.023: Pharmacy identification cards—Rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S023.md)
- [RCW 48.43.028 RCW 48.43.028: Eligibility to purchase certain health benefit plans—Small employers and small groups.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S028.md)
- [RCW 48.43.035 RCW 48.43.035: Group health benefit plans—Guaranteed issue and continuity of coverage—Exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S035.md)
- [RCW 48.43.038 RCW 48.43.038: Individual health plans—Guarantee of continuity of coverage—Exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S038.md)
- [RCW 48.43.039 RCW 48.43.039: Grace period—Notification or information—Information concerning delinquencies or nonpayment of premiums—Defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S039.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T48_C43_S012. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.