Date: 04/29/2014

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB14-187

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, INSURANCE, & ENVIRONMENT

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Adopt amendment L.019 (Attachment H). The motion f
Adopt amendment L.020 (Attachment I). The motion f
Refer Senate Bill 14-187 to the Committee on Appro		FAIL
FAIL
PASS




11:43 AM -- SB14-187

Representative Stephens and Representative Schafer presented Senate Bill 14-187. The bill establishes the Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care (commission). The commission will study the drivers of health care costs and evidence-based cost containment strategies, and make recommendations for action. The commission will use state data to conduct empirical analysis of health care utilization in the state. The commission will have 12 voting members, representing various public and private sector health care experts and five nonvoting members from state government. Under the bill, the commission will review previous reports and studies, including the report from the former Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform. The commission will also create small advisory committees to study specific areas, and coordinate with other Colorado entities studying health care costs as appropriate.

The commission must provide two annual reports to the General Assembly in FY 2014-15 and FY 2015-16 and a final report by June 30, 2016. Legislative committees and the Governor will consider the commission's recommendations for future legislation and regulatory action. The bill creates the Colorado Commission on Affordable Care Cash Fund within the Department of Public Health and Environment and appropriates $400,000 to the fund in FY 2014-15. The commission is repealed on July 1, 2017.

11:51 AM

Representative Stephens responded to questions about the bill's fiscal note. She stated that the commission is modeled after the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. Representative Stephens responded to questions about what will result from the commission. Representative Schafer discussed the various entities working on health issues as a result of the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform, also known as the 208 Commission, and stated the bill will allow a coordinated effort between these entities on affordable health care.

12:00 PM -- Deb Judy, representing the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the lack of access to affordable health care and referenced the 2012 Colorado Health Care Cost Report.

12:02 PM -- Elisabeth Arenales, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill. She discussed other states that have established health cost commissions and the need for a focused effort on cost drivers. She responded to questions about whether someone from the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange should be on the commission.

12:07 PM -- Cindy Sovine-Miller, representing the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the bill's requirement for evidence-based analysis of the major cost drivers in health care and what happens when employers discontinue health insurance coverage.

12:10 PM -- Alfred Gilchrist, representing the Colorado Medical Society, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the information packet he distributed to the committee (Attachment D).

140429Attach D.pdf140429Attach D.pdf

12:12 PM -- Patrick Boyle, representing the Colorado Group Insurance Association and the Colorado Competitive Council, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the importance of studying increasing health care costs.

12:14 PM -- Virginia Morrison Love, representing America's Health Insurance Plans, testified in support of the bill. She stated that health costs drive insurance premiums. She provided two handouts to the committee (Attachments E and F).

140429Attach E.pdf140429Attach E.pdf140429Attach F.pdf140429Attach F.pdf

12:16 PM

Mr. Boyle stated that he did not want to anticipate what the results of the commission might be in response to a question. Representative Schafer stated legislation may result from the study.

12:20 PM -- Sara Smith, representing Health One Hospital Systems, testified in support of the bill. She shared examples of what can be achieved when experts work together to pursue health strategies.

12:23 PM -- Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis, representing Kaiser Permanente, testified in support of the bill. She discussed addressing health care costs, developing best practices for care delivery, addressing racial and ethnic disparities, and understanding the state's fiscal challenges.

12:26 PM -- Shalini Wittstruck representing Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, testified in support of the bill. She stated that health care costs continue to increase and that Colorado is one of the most expensive markets.

12:27 PM -- Mike Huotari, representing Rocky Mountain Health Plans, testified in support of the bill. He distributed a letter of support from Club 20 (Attachment G).

140429Attach G.pdf140429Attach G.pdf

12:29 PM -- Marc Reece, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the composition of the commission.

12:31 PM

Dr. Allen-Davis responded to questions about how the commission will address racial disparities related to health care.

12:33 PM -- Tony Gagliardi, representing the National Federation of Independent Business, testified in support of the bill. He stated that public policy focuses on premiums, but not on what drives premiums. He responded to questions about the potential outcomes of the commission.

12:39 PM

Representative McCann discussed amendment L.019 (Attachment H). Representative Fields commented on food deserts. Representative Fields discussed amendment L.020 (Attachment I). Representatives Schafer and Stephens commented on amendment L.020. The committee discussed the bill, the composition of the commission, and the amendments with the bill sponsors.

140429Attach H.pdf140429Attach H.pdf140429Attach I.pdf140429Attach I.pdf
BILL:SB14-187
TIME: 12:52:30 PM
MOVED:McCann
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.019 (Attachment H). The motion failed on a vote of 4-7.
SECONDED:Schafer
VOTE
Fields
Yes
Ginal
No
Humphrey
No
Joshi
No
Landgraf
No
McNulty
No
Primavera
Yes
Singer
No
Swalm
No
Schafer
Yes
McCann
Yes
YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


12:53 PM

The committee discussed amendment L.020.
BILL:SB14-187
TIME: 12:56:33 PM
MOVED:Fields
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.020 (Attachment I). The motion failed on a vote of 5-6. The motion failed on a vote of 5-6.
SECONDED:McCann
VOTE
Fields
Yes
Ginal
No
Humphrey
No
Joshi
No
Landgraf
No
McNulty
No
Primavera
Yes
Singer
Yes
Swalm
No
Schafer
Yes
McCann
Yes
YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


12:57 PM

The committee discussed the bill.
BILL:SB14-187
TIME: 01:01:47 PM
MOVED:Schafer
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 14-187 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 9-2.
SECONDED:McCann
VOTE
Fields
Yes
Ginal
Yes
Humphrey
No
Joshi
No
Landgraf
Yes
McNulty
Yes
Primavera
Yes
Singer
Yes
Swalm
Yes
Schafer
Yes
McCann
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:02 PM

The committee adjourned.