Date: 01/29/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB15-1066

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, INSURANCE, & ENVIRONMENT

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Postpone House Bill 15-1066 indefinitely. The moti
Refer House Bill 15-1066 to the Committee on State		PASS
FAIL



02:31 PM -- HB15-1066

Representative Joshi presented House Bill 15-1066. The bill repeals the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange Act, effective January 1, 2016, and requires the state treasurer to transfer any unencumbered moneys that remain in the exchange to the General Fund. Representative Joshi responded to questions about the bill and the exchange. Representative Joshi distributed a packet of letters in support of the bill (Attachment B). Three letters of opposition were distributed to the committee (Attachments C through E).

150129 AttachB.pdf150129 AttachB.pdf150129 AttachC.pdf150129 AttachC.pdf150129 AttachD.pdf150129 AttachD.pdf150129 AttachE.pdf150129 AttachE.pdf

02:51 PM

The committee dialogued with Representative Joshi about the bill, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and the exchange.

02:57 PM -- Arnold Salazar and Steve ErkenBrack, Connect for Health Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. ErkenBrack discussed his role on the board of the exchange and the history of Colorado's exchange. He explained how consumers can check whether their doctors accept certain plans offered through Colorado's exchange, which consumers cannot do on the federal exchange. Mr. ErkenBrack discussed the open enrollment process. He discussed how various issues with the exchange have been resolved.

03:10 PM

Mr. ErkenBrack and Mr. Salazar responded to questions about Colorado's exchange, the federal subsidies to help consumers pay for health insurance, and health insurance plan cancellations. Mr. Salazar and Mr. ErkenBrack responded to questions about the competitiveness of Colorado's health insurance market and Colorado's health insurance premiums.

03:30 PM

Representative Joshi and Mr. Salazar dialogued about Colorado's health insurance premiums. Mr. Salazar stated that the bill would cede control to the federal government and discussed the potential impact the bill would have on Colorado. Representative Brown commented on the exchange and the PPACA. Mr. ErkenBrack responded to additional questions about health insurance premiums. In response to a question, Mr. Salazar referenced the Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care.

03:48 PM -- Janet Stephens, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in opposition of the bill. She discussed her organization's support of the exchange and the potential impact of repealing the exchange. Ms. Stephens responded to questions about emergency room utilizations since the establishment of the exchange.

03:53 PM -- Charles Ward, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed his organization's support for the exchange and the possible disruptions to businesses if the exchange is eliminated.

03:56 PM -- Betty Wytias, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed her experience seeking health insurance through the exchange.

04:02 PM -- Tamera Sakotas, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed her experience seeking health insurance through the exchange. Ms. Sakotas responded to questions about losing her health insurance coverage prior to enrolling in coverage through the exchange.

04:08 PM

Ms. Wytias and Ms. Sakotas responded to questions about the assistance they received from the exchange staff in enrolling in health insurance.

04:10 PM -- A.W. Schnellbacher, Jr., representing AARP Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed his organization's support of the exchange and referenced the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform that was established by Senate Bill 06-208. He referenced an article in Health Affairs magazine concerning exchanges. Mr. Schnellbacher relayed data concerning health insurance provided through the exchange and Colorado's uninsured rate. Mr. Schnellbacher responded to questions about his organization's members utilization of private health insurance coverage.

04:21 PM -- Michael Lott-Manier, Mental Health America Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed the impact the exchange has had on persons with mental health care needs. He referenced the 2013 Colorado Health Access Survey. He discussed Colorado's efforts to address behavioral health and the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform.

04:32 PM -- Mizraim Cordero, Colorado Competitive Council, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed his organization's support of the exchange. He responded to question about whether organization supports the PPACA.

04:36 PM -- Allison Neswood, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed the exchange, the number of health insurance plans offered by the exchange, and the number of persons who have enrolled in health insurance coverage through the exchange.

04:42 PM -- Ryan Biehle, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed how the exchange has impacted consumers' ability to purchase health insurance.

04:46 PM

Ms. Neswood and Mr. Biehle responded to questions about their personal experiences getting health insurance coverage through the exchange. Mr. Biehle responded to questions about impact federal penalties could have on enrollment.

04:49 PM

Representative McCann read a letter from Ben Price, Colorado Association of Health Plans (Attachment F). The committee dialogued about the number of people who received health insurance policy cancellation notices after the enactment of the PPACA.

150129 AttachF.pdf150129 AttachF.pdf

04:55 PM -- Dr. Mary Zennett, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience providing health care, the shortage of primary care and mental health providers, and her concerns about the health care system. Dr. Zennett responded to questions about her experience providing patient care and Medicaid.

05:23 PM -- Joan Mills, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience as a nurse and expressed her concerns about the health care system. Ms. Mills responded to questions about the exchange and health insurance.

05:32 PM -- Jeanie Stutts Blucher, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience obtaining individual health insurance coverage. She responded to questions regarding health sharing organizations.

05:47 PM -- Scott Rankin, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the difference between health care and health insurance. Mr. Rankin responded to questions about the federal exchange. In response to a question, he expressed his concerns about health care costs.

06:01 PM -- Aaron Gartrell, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his experience as a small business owner providing health insurance.

06:03 PM -- Don Rodgers, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Rodgers discussed the federal exchange.


06:07 PM

Representative Joshi made concluding remarks about the bill.
BILL:HB15-1066
TIME: 06:32:35 PM
MOVED:Joshi
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1066 to the Committee on State, Military, and Veterans Affairs. The motion failed on a vote of 6-7.
SECONDED:Landgraf
VOTE
Brown
Yes
Esgar
No
Humphrey
Yes
Joshi
Yes
Klingenschmitt
Yes
Landgraf
Yes
Lontine
No
Mitsch Bush
No
Primavera
No
Ransom
Yes
Ryden
No
Ginal
No
McCann
No
YES: 6 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:HB15-1066
TIME: 06:33:32 PM
MOVED:McCann
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1066 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 7-6.
SECONDED:Ginal
VOTE
Brown
No
Esgar
Yes
Humphrey
No
Joshi
No
Klingenschmitt
No
Landgraf
No
Lontine
Yes
Mitsch Bush
Yes
Primavera
Yes
Ransom
No
Ryden
Yes
Ginal
Yes
McCann
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




06:34 PM

The committee adjourned.