Date: 07/31/2012
Final
Comments from Committee Members
HEALTH CARE EXCHANGE
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12:11 PM -- Comments from Committee Members
Senator Roberts said that she and one other member will not be available for the August 13 meeting because of a conflict with the Lower North Fork Wildfire Commission.
Senator Boyd noted that the committee was not going to vote today, but that she appreciated the thoughtful questions and comments and that she hopes the proposal is allowed to move forward.
Senator Nicholson, also noted that she will not be available on August 13 because of the wildfire commission, but also stressed the need to move the proposal forward and noted that the meeting will not be needed if the chair and vice chair approve the grant proposal.
Representative McCann commented on communications and marketing staff positions in the proposal and stated that they are very important for raising awareness, especially among small business owners.
Representative Gardner stated that the grant proposal must be approved if the exchange is to continue as we know it, but that the question is a policy issue to be considered. He noted that other states have rejected the creation of an exchange, but other like Colorado have created exchanges to maximize local control. He encouraged members to contact the chair and vice-chair to discuss the proposal and share any specific concerns. Representative Gardner reiterated his concern about brokers. Representative Gardner discussed input from stakeholders who supported Senate Bill 11-200, and talked about the choices to be made. He talked about shaping the exchange to reflect stakeholders and interests, and discussed the choices between a perfect exchange and no exchange. Representative Gardner discussed the possibility of the next meeting on August 13 and said that a decision will likely be made in the middle of next week.
Representative Gardner adjourned the meeting.