Contact Your Legislators to Support ESSB 5845 and Modernize Insurance Payment Policies
March 3, 2026
AMTA-WA is urging you to contact your local legislators to support ESSB 5845, a bill that modernizes and clarifies timely payment requirements for health insurance carriers.
This bipartisan bill is important to licensed massage therapists and the businesses you operate. ESSB 5845 is in the final stages of the legislative process this week, and it needs your support now.
The bill strengthens requirements for timely reimbursement and shortens the time insurers have to take back previously paid claims (known as “clawbacks”). These updates will improve predictability, fairness, and financial stability for providers across Washington.
This bipartisan bill is important to licensed massage therapists and the businesses you operate. ESSB 5845 is in the final stages of the legislative process this week, and it needs your support now.
The bill strengthens requirements for timely reimbursement and shortens the time insurers have to take back previously paid claims (known as “clawbacks”). These updates will improve predictability, fairness, and financial stability for providers across Washington.
Bill Status
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The bill passed the House Health Care Committee with a vote of 17–1.
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It also passed the House Appropriations Committee unanimously on March 2.
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The next deadline is Friday, March 6, for the bill to be voted out of the House.
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Both the House and Senate must agree on the final version before it can move to the Governor for signature.
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The legislative session ends March 12.
What the Bill Does
ESSB 5845 now includes language from SSB 6071, which modernizes overpayment recovery requirements.
Summary of the Amended Legislation:
- Requires health insurance carriers to pay “clean claims” from providers or facilities within 30 days and clarifies related definitions.
- Requires carriers to notify providers within 21 days if a claim is denied or if additional information is needed for claims that are not clean.
- Reduces the time insurers can request repayment (clawbacks) for most claims from 24 months to 12 months, with limited exceptions.
- In coordination-of-benefits situations (when another insurer or entity is responsible for payment), carriers must request refunds in writing within 18 months of the original payment (previously 30 months), except in cases involving mental health services or fraud.
Please contact your Representatives and Senator today and ask them to support ESSB 5845 to modernize and clarify timely payment requirements for health insurance carriers.