Bill Summary for Bill Number Discussion with HCPF about Committee Concerns Raised During June 5 Meeting

Date: 07/15/2015

Final
Discussion with HCPF about Committee Concerns Raised During June 5 Meeting

HEALTH CARE EXCHANGE

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02:21 PM -- Discussion with HCPF about Committee Concerns Raised During June 5 Meeting

Chris Underwood and Marivel Guadarrama, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, came to the table. They provided a handout of responses to questions raised at the last meeting (Attachment G), which also includes examples of the mailings provided to consumers. Senator Martinez Humenik expressed concerns about the letters provided to consumers as being overly complicated. Mr. Underwood expressed the department's concern about this as well, and highlighted the cover letter that provides a brief overview of the determination made. Discussion ensued about developing a more user friendly product. Senator Aguilar asked if the HCPF is currently looking at any 1115 Medicaid waivers. Mr. Underwood noted some prior waivers but said they are not currently developing or seeking additional waivers. Senator Kefalas asked why some people are enrolled in both Medicaid and private insurance. Mr. Underwood explained several scenarios under which this would arise. Senator Roberts noted that she disagreed with the department's response to the adequacy of providers for Medicaid clients. Senator Aguilar asked about addressing churn, where client shift between Medicaid and private insurance as their incomes change, through the use of continuous eligibility. Mr. Underwood explained that continuous eligibility currently applies to children, but that an 1115 waiver would be required to extend this to adults. He noted some efforts they currently have to reduce churn. Senator Aguilar asked about developing a basic health plan or extending advanced premium tax credit to certain low income adults. Mr. Underwood stated that Colorado decided to pursue a Medicaid expansion to 133 percent of poverty, rather than such an approach, but stated that the state could examine additional options in the future. More discussion ensued about churn and tracking clients after they leave Medicaid.

150715 AttachG.pdf