Bill Summary for Bill Number Public Testimony

Final
Public Testimony

HIFA WAIVER COMMITTEE

Votes:

Action Taken:

<none>

10:03 AM

Senator Hagedorn explained that public testimony would be limited to five minutes a person, including questions.

10:04 AM -- John Monahan, Wellpoint and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colorado, expressed support for the Colorado HIFA waiver, and discussed the benefits of streamlining the Medicaid and CHP+ program. He stated that Wellpoint Medicaid networks always incorporate safety net clinics into their provider networks for Medicaid clients. He discussed the benefits that are available to Medicaid clients through managed care.

10:11 AM -- Alfred Gilcrest, Colorado Medical Society, testified regarding the HIFA waiver process. He stated that the Colorado Medical Society supports the goals of the waiver, but not the Colorado Family Cares product. He responded to questions from the committee regarding whether the Colorado Medical Society believes the HIFA waiver should go forward and whether increased provider reimbursement rates would encourage providers to participate in the Colorado Family Cares Program. He stated that provider network adequacy is vital to the success of any health care program.

10:17 AM -- Greg Fanselall, Platte Valley Medical Center, testified regarding the volume of Medicaid clients seen by Platte Valley Medical Center. He stated that reducing emergency room utilization will not produce enough savings to cover the actual costs of care for Medicaid patients and further stated a number of concerns with the Colorado Family Cares program. He responded to questions from the committee regarding whether any services receive higher reimbursement rates in Medicaid than in private plans; Mr. Fanselall responded that there are no services that are reimbursed more in Medicaid than in private plans.

10:23 AM -- Gary Cummins, Colorado Dental Association, stated a number of concerns with the HIFA waiver proposal. He suggested that the committee talk with other states regarding the implementation of Medicaid managed care dental networks and HIFA waivers. He distributed a handout to the committee (a copy of the handout was not available to staff ).

10:27 AM -- Annette Kowal, Colorado Community Health Network, stated that the Department has addressed some of the Community Health Clinic's concerns with reimbursement rates under the Colorado Family Cares Program. She stated that the Department has agreed to continue reimbursement rates for clinics at current rates and to include language in the request for proposals that would encourage managed care organizations to contract with community health clinics. She stated that she is of the belief that if Medicaid reform is not implemented by the state, changes could be forced upon the state in coming months.

10:30 AM -- Marguerite Salazar, Valley-wide Health Systems, stated that the HIFA waiver is a step in the process for reforming Medicaid, and that she has trust and confidence in the Department to implement the waiver. She stated her support for the committee to move forward with the waiver.

10:32 AM -- Linda Wilkinson, Colorado Dental Hygienists Association, testified that dental hygienists would not be included in the Colorado Family Cares program. She stated the importance of dental hygienists in providing dental services.

10:35 AM -- Dr. Harriet Hall, Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified that now is the time to move forward with Medicaid reform and that the mental health centers are in strong support of the HIFA waiver. She stated that the mental health benefit provided under the Colorado Family Care Program improves care for CHP+ recipients and that the waiver program allows children and adults to receive quality care regardless of whether they are eligible for Medicaid or CHP+. She reiterated that the HIFA waiver does not cap enrollment in CHP+ or Medicaid. She responded to questions from the committee.

10:40 AM -- Lorez Meinhold, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, thanked the Department for their work developing the HIFA wavier, but stated that her organization does not support the submission of the HIFA waiver. She distributed a letter to the committee (Attachment H).

10:43 AM -- Barbara Ford, Colorado Association for School-based Healthcare, distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment I). She testified regarding the importance of school-based health centers.