Date: 02/25/2014

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB14-1192

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH CARE & HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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02:15 PM -- HB14-1192

Representative Joshi introduced House Bill 14-1192. The bill repeals the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange, effective January 1, 2015. Representative Joshi discussed the money that has been spent to establish the health insurance exchange. The committee discussed whether the state would revert to the federal exchange if the state exchange is repealed. The committee discussed the state exchange's performance relative to the performance of the federal exchange, the money spent to establish the exchange, and whether the state would have to repay the money to the federal government.

02:51 PM -- Susan Kochevar, Colorado Republican Business Coalition, testified in support of the bill and noted that her organization supported the establishment of the exchange. She testified that the exchange is not self-sustaining or competitive, and discussed the regulations governing the exchange. She discussed the insurance cancellation notices that were provided to some Coloradoans and responded to questions from the committee regarding alternatives if Colorado's exchange were to be repealed. She suggested allowing health insurance to be sold across state lines, health savings accounts, tort reform, and other proposals may create more affordable health insurance options for individuals.

03:00 PM -- Scott Rankin, Coloradoans for Healthcare Choices, spoke in support of the bill and discussed the premium increases that, in his opinion, have resulted from health insurance mandates. He responded to questions from the committee. Representative Stephens commented on premium reductions that occurred after the exchange became operational. Mr. Rankin continued to respond to the questions from the committee.

03:23 PM -- Steve Russell, representing himself, discussed the number of individuals who have enrolled in Medicaid through the exchange and stated that the exchange is unaware of how many individuals who have enrolled in coverage through the exchange have actually paid the premiums for the coverage. He stated that the exchange has increased health care costs and has eliminated programs, such as CoverColorado, which were working well.

03:32 PM -- Ken Clark, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and discussed the insurance mandates that are required to be included in Colorado's health insurance plans. He responded to questions from the committee regarding whether Colorado would have to repay the federal money spent to establish the exchange, whether Colorado should join the federal exchange if the state exchange is repealed, the federal subsidies available for uninsured individuals, and whether individuals with preexisting conditions would still be covered if the exchange is repealed. He continued to respond to questions from the committee regarding enrollment in the exchange.

03:47 PM -- A.W. Schnellbacher, AARP, testified in opposition to the bill and testified that AARP supported the establishment of the exchange in Colorado. He discussed the tax credits and other features of the exchange that assist people in purchasing health insurance. He stated that Colorado's exchange is working, and noted that a number of individuals have obtained insurance through the exchange. He responded to questions from the committee.

03:57 PM -- Jason Lancaster, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill stating that the exchange lowered his family's health insurance premiums. He discussed the costs of small group and individual coverage for his family members prior to the establishment of the exchange. He responded to questions from the committee regarding the small business health insurance exchange.

04:03 PM -- Vicki Tosher, representing herself, testified regarding her experience seeking coverage through CoverColorado and subsequently through the state exchange. She discussed the assistance that is provided to individuals seeking coverage through the exchange. She urged the committee to vote no on the bill.

04:06 PM -- Matthew Valeta, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in opposition to the bill and distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment C). He stated that the tax credits available through the exchange are helping individuals purchase insurance.

14HsePHS0225AttachC.pdf14HsePHS0225AttachC.pdf

04:08 PM -- Dr. Richard Budensiek, Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, testified in opposition to the bill and relayed statistics on the number of individuals who have enrolled in coverage through the exchange. He stated that the exchange allows for accountability and transparency regarding health insurance plans, and that having a state-based exchange allows decisions regarding coverage to be made at the local level. He responded to questions from the committee regarding provider shortages and the importance of preventative care.

04:18 PM -- George Lyford, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in opposition to the bill. He noted that the exchange offers small employers a variety of health insurance plans. He responded to questions from the committee.

04:28 PM

The chair announced that the bill would be laid over for action only at a later date.

04:30 PM

The committee adjourned.