Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Date:01/23/2009
ATTENDANCE
Time:10:17 AM to 11:00 AM
Acree
*
Gerou
X
Place:LSB A
Green
X
Kefalas
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Kerr J.
X
Representative Riesberg
McGihon
X
Nikkel
X
This Report was prepared by
Primavera
*
Kelly Stapleton
Swalm
X
Gagliardi
X
Riesberg
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
HB09-1073
HB09-1102
Amended, Referred to Appropriations
Referred to the Committee of the Whole


10:18 AM -- House Bill 09-1073

Representative Massey presented House Bill 09-1073 which came out of the Health Care Task Force. He stated the bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to conduct a feasibility study of the use of electronic prescriptions in Medicaid. The bill also requires the study to be submitted to the Health and Human Services by June 30, 2010.


10:21 AM

Brady Young, RxPlus Pharmacies, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Young spoke to the cost saving potentials of e-prescribing. He also spoke to the accuracy and reduction of mistakes that e-prescribing presents. Mr. Young stated that technology exists that will allow e-prescribing in rural communities.


10:28 AM

Jim Driscoll, Colorado Retail Council, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Driscoll spoke to the need for health information technology and reiterated Mr. Young's comments regarding efficiency and reduction of inaccuracies with e-prescribing. Representative Kerr stated that due to funding shortages, he asked if the state was unable to provide the one time funding, would each pharmacy contribute $50 towards the study. Mr. Driscoll stated that he would be amenable to discussing solutions with his members. Members expressed their concern with regard to the fiscal note.







10:35 AM

Representative Massey responded to committee questions regarding the effect on rural communities stating that it would be a benefit to these communities. He also stated that the study will evaluate what barriers exist to implementing the program in Medicaid. He noted that he would like to implement a pilot program in addition to the study, but due to the funding situation in the state, that does not appear to be a possibility this year.
BILL:HB09-1073
TIME: 10:40:12 AM
MOVED:Kerr J.
MOTION:Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion passed without objection.

09HouseHHS0123AttachA.pdf
SECONDED:Gagliardi
VOTE
Acree
Gerou
Green
Kefalas
Kerr J.
McGihon
Nikkel
Primavera
Swalm
Gagliardi
Riesberg
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection




















BILL:HB09-1073
TIME: 10:41:02 AM
MOVED:Kerr J.
MOTION:Moved to refer House Bill 09-1073 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Kefalas
VOTE
Acree
Yes
Gerou
Yes
Green
Yes
Kefalas
Yes
Kerr J.
Yes
McGihon
Yes
Nikkel
Yes
Primavera
Yes
Swalm
Yes
Gagliardi
Yes
Riesberg
Yes
Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


10:44 AM -- House Bill 09-1102

Representative Acree presented House Bill 09-1102 which will require the Health Care Task Force to study and make recommendations concerning the portability of health insurance after the policyholder has been separated from employment. Representative Acree stated the bill carries no fiscal note.






















BILL:HB09-1102
TIME: 10:46:58 AM
MOVED:McGihon
MOTION:Motion to postpone the bill indefinitely. Representative McGihon withdrew her motion and Representative Primavera withdrew her second.
SECONDED:Primavera
VOTE
Acree
Gerou
Green
Kefalas
Kerr J.
McGihon
Nikkel
Primavera
Swalm
Gagliardi
Riesberg
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: TIE


10:48 AM

Dr. Gary VanderArk, Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, Colorado Medical Society, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Doctor's Care, and 2010 Cover Kids Initiative, testified in support of the bill.


10:52 AM

Tara Trujillo, Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Trujillo pointed out that health insurance is typically tied to one's employer. She pointed out that children's health care is tied to their parents and noted that as parents become uninsured, they too become uninsured. Ms. Trujillo stated that it is important to study portability.


10:56 AM

Representative Swalm commented that employer sponsored health insurance began during World War II by giving employer's a tax break. He stated that it will be very difficult to change the current system, but clearly there is a need for some change in the system. Representative Acree provided a wrap-up to the bill.










BILL:HB09-1102
TIME: 10:56:29 AM
MOVED:Acree
MOTION:Moved to refer House Bill 09-1102 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Kerr J.
VOTE
Acree
Yes
Gerou
Yes
Green
Yes
Kefalas
Yes
Kerr J.
Yes
McGihon
Yes
Nikkel
Yes
Primavera
Yes
Swalm
Yes
Gagliardi
Yes
Riesberg
Yes
Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


11:00 AM

The committee adjourned.