House Committee on Health and Human Services (01/23/2009)

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.
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.