s_hhs_2016a_2016-02-25t13:30:48z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/25/2016

01:48 PM -- HB 16-1148



Senator Kefalas, co-prime sponsor, presented the bill. He explained that the reengrossed bill requires Connect for Health Colorado, the state's health insurance marketplace, to create technical and advisory groups and operate them on an ongoing basis. The technical and advisory groups are to report and provide guidance to the Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors (board) on issues that affect consumers. After two years, the technical and advisory groups will shift from meeting on a regular basis to only meeting when necessary.



The bill also requires that the board develop policies specifying which of its actions and policy changes require public scrutiny. These policies must be submitted to the Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee. In addition, Connect for Health Colorado must provide public notice at least three weeks before meetings at which matters requiring public scrutiny are considered and take public comment and questions at the meeting. The board may take action without public notice and input if immediate adoption of a policy is required for continuing operation of the exchange.





01:50 PM -- Cindy Sovine-Miller, self, spoke in support of the bill.



01:54 PM



Senator Martinez Humenik discussed amendment L.005 (Attachment C). Committee discussion followed. Senator Roberts, co-prime sponsor, came to the table.



160225 AttachC.pdf



02:00 PM



Committee discussion continued about amendment L.005.



02:06 PM -- Bethany Pray, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.



02:15 PM



Committee discussion continued about the merits of the bill.



02:20 PM -- Debra Judy, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, spoke in support of the bill.



02:21 PM



Senator Kefalas made closing comments. Committee discussion followed.