Washington law currently bars universities from providing students with health insurance. Senate Bill 5158 and its companion bill, House Bill 1298, aim to make an exception for student-athletes.
The two bills aim to allow universities to cut healthcare costs, as all medical expenses incurred by athletes are paid for out of pocket by the university athletic department. These expenses total around $1.5 million a year, said Chris Mulick, WSU state relations senior director.
Student-athletes face uniquely high needs due to their level of participation. This bill would help reduce the expenses incurred by these needs, as well as help the university carry out its commitments to provide access to mental healthcare for athletes, Mulick said.
There was an opportunity for representatives of both WSU and UW to testify in support of this bill in front of the legislature.
“It helps WSU athletics save a little money at a time of great upheaval and allows us to continue to provide quality health care services for our student-athletes,” Mulick said during his testimony.
This bill would not impact state operating or capital budgets, as collegiate athletics are not funded by the state. This fact could influence the votes of legislators, as they face a $10-$16 billion budget shortfall.
There are a few other specific instances in which universities are allowed to provide health insurance to select students. One being health sciences students who are currently completing clinical practicums.
Should the bill pass, it would be up to the WSU Athletic Department to decide which students qualify for health insurance.
“Is it the football team but not the track team, or is it certain individuals within each team… we just don’t know,” Mulick said.
The bills were created because of a proposal brought forward by WSU and UW in joint efforts. When approaching legislators to sponsor the bill, the universities reached out to those who had shown support for Senate Bill 5913 regarding NIL, which was passed during last year’s legislative session, Mulick said.
Both bills have advanced out of their respective committees, receiving bi-partisan support. The senate bill passed via a unanimous 49-0 vote Wednesday.
