Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT

Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 99-0489

Rep. Ragsdale

 

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

January 15, 1999

House HEWI

Will Meyer (303-866-4976)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING PROVISIONS MAKING IT MANDATORY TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BREAST PUMPS.



Summary of Assessment


            This bill requires health benefit plans offered in Colorado to offer coverage for breast pumps. This requirement applies to individual plans issued beginning January 1, 2000, and to group plans issued, renewed, or reinstated on or after that date. The bill would become effective upon signature of the Governor.


            The requirements of this bill may require some health insurance carriers (who currently do not offer such coverage) to change some marketing materials and create a new benefit rider. However, given the implementation date of January 1, 2000, these carriers could certify these new forms with their regular annual certifications to be filed with the Division of Insurance . No supplemental filings will be required.


            The Department of Personnel, Division of Employee Benefits, provides health insurance coverage under the state's employee benefit plans. Any new coverages, as they are implemented, may increase state program costs, if recommended by the Executive Director of the Department of Personnel in the annual total Compensation Survey and passed by the General Assembly. Any increases in costs of insurance will be passed on to the states' employees initially, and ultimately may be reflected in the costs of the state employee benefit program, subject to legislation.


            Breast pumps are covered under Medicaid, and the requirements of the bill will not impact any other programs administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. The provisions of this bill will not affect any other agency of the state. Any impact to local governments will be in their role as employer and are expected to be minimal. Therefore, this bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.



Departments Contacted


            Regulatory Agencies              Health Care Policy and Financing      Personnel