In affirmation of the declared principle that health care is a right of every citizen of the state, the legislature expresses its concern that the present high costs of health care in Washington may be preventing or inhibiting a large segment of the people from obtaining access to quality health care services.

The legislature declares that the establishment of qualified prepaid group and individual practice health care delivery systems should be encouraged in order to provide all citizens of the state with the freedom of choice between competitive, alternative health care delivery systems necessary to realize their right to health. It is the purpose and policy of this chapter to provide for the development and registration of prepaid group and individual practice health care plans as health maintenance organizations, which the legislature declares to be in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the people.