Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB05-037

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR

Votes:
Action Taken:
<none><none>



01:54 PM -- Senate Bill 05-037

Representative Hefley presented the bill which makes various changes to the current review process for denied health benefits. The changes include allowing a second-level internal review by a grievance panel composed of at least three health care professionals, the majority of whom will not be employees of the health coverage plan or have a financial interest in the outcome of this review. Representative Hefley responded to questions from the committee.

02:00 PM -- Peg Brown, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified neither for nor against the bill. Ms. Brown testified that the appeals process under current law is sufficient.

02:05 PM -- Paul Huckabee, representing himself and his family, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Huckabee shared his personal experience with his insurance company denying numerous claims in treating his son's medical condition and gave members a chart he compiled of the cash flow time line for cumulative treatment expenses invloved with his son's care (Attachment A). Mr Huckabee testified that this bill is necessary to reform the appeals process under current law. Mr. Huckabee responded to questions from the committee.

02:15 PM -- Helena Huckabee, representing health care providers as a physician, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Huckabee testified that this bill encourages insured persons to maximize their health care coverage.

02:20 PM -- Christy Blakely, representing Family Voices Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Blakely believes that the current system of appeals needs to be reformed.

02:23 PM -- Carl Miller, representing Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, testified in support of the bill. Rocky Mountain Health Plans told Mr. Miller that it also supports the bill.

02:25 PM -- Amanda Bieber, representing Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Bieber testified that the bill creates a more consumer-friendly appeals process.

02:27 PM -- Eric Boyer, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Boyer testified that the bill will help seniors with aggravated health problems.

02:29 PM

Representative Cerbo announced that he will take the bill off the table. This hearing will be for witness testimony only. The committee will take action on the bill at its meeting on Wednesday, March 9, upon adjournment.

3:00 PM

The committee adjourned.