Date: 02/24/2010
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB10-1266
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR
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11:43 AM -- House Bill 10-1266
Representative Frangas, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 10-1266 concerning the inclusion of employees of specified employers in certain aspects of state group benefit plans at the option of the employer. Beginning on January 1, 2011, certain local governments, small businesses with less than 100 employees, and nonprofit organizations may offer participation in state fully-funded medical and dental plans. By electing to extend state group benefits to its employees, an employer agrees to exclusively offer state plans and participate in them for at least 3 years. The state personnel director is authorized to set minimum employer contributions towards its employees' premiums and charge an administrative fee to cover the state's costs.
11:59 AM -- Jerry McElroy, representing Kaiser Permanente, testified against the bill and stated the bill would lead to higher premiums. A discussion ensued regarding premiums.
12:03 PM -- Tony Gagliardi, representing the National Federation of Independent Businesses, testified against the bill. He explained that the bill would create a whole new bureaucracy in the Department of Personnel and Administration. Representative Rice asked whether Mr. Gagliardi supports the concept, but is just not sure how to get there. Mr. Gagliardi agreed. Representative Frangas said he would like to work with Mr. Gagliardi on a solution to his concerns.
12:13 PM -- Dave Bean, representing himself as a small business owner, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout (Attachment C). He talked about his experience buying health insurance in the individual insurance market. Mr. Bean talked about how much of his time is taken up dealing with buying health insurance.
12:15 PM
Representative Rice laid the bill over to March 2.