0B804394FF5882518725835A005BCC2F Hearing Summary

Representative Lontine called the meeting to order.  An agenda was distributed to the committee [Attachment A].

Kevin Patterson, CEO, Connect for Health Colorado, presented to the committee regarding the Colorado Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange).  A handout was distributed to committee members [Attachment B]. 

Adela Flores-Brennan, Chair, Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors, and Sharon O'Hara, Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors, presented to the committee.  Ms. Flores-Brennan explained that multiple Connect for Health Board members are term limited in 2019, and appointments must be made by the legislature.  She explained that information on Board members' terms can be found in Senate Bill 11-200.  Ms. O'Hara described the membership and activities of the advisory group for the Board, which was created in 2016.

Mr. Patterson presented on the three-year strategic plan for the Exchange.  He explained the goals of the strategic plan including efforts to increase rural participation in the Exchange, target marketing to underinsured populations in Colorado, improve customer support and the service center, and implement best practices from other state Exchanges.

Mr. Patterson responded to questions regarding the creation of strategic goals and measurements for the Exchange, interaction with community stakeholders, and the issue of dual eligibility for health insurance programs.  Committee members dialogued with Mr. Patterson and Ms. Flores-Brennan regarding the efficiency and usability of the Exchange enrollment system, and confusion regarding tax credit eligibility.

Steve ErckenBrack, Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors, and Mr. Patterson continued to respond to committee questions regarding health insurance costs in rural areas, eligibility determinations for different insurance programs, and a consumer friendly website.

Mr. Patterson described planned improvements to the Exchange website and the new eligibility system.  He described recent marketing and education efforts on behalf of the Exchange.  Committee members commented on technological improvements made to the Exchange website.

Mr. Patterson updated the committee on open enrollment on the Exchange for the 2019 plan year.  He provided data on insurance provider participation, average premiums, and percent of customers that apply for tax credits on the Exchange.  Mr. Patterson described the average speed of customer support services that Exchange customers received during the open enrollment period.

Mr. Patterson responded to committee questions regarding federal cost sharing changes, marketing of the Exchange, and specific data on the Exchange premium increases and enrollee demographics.