523C4DA380F6CDD68725857C005FB983 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Senators Moreno and Donovan, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-215. The bill creates the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise and extends and refinances the Reinsurance Program.  The enterprise is funded with a newly established TABOR exempt health insurance fee and annual General Fund transfer. 

Senator Moreno explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Donovan provided additional input on the merits of the legislation. Senators Moreno and Donovan responded to questions regarding the enterprise created by the bill.

Senator Moreno responded to questions regarding the benefits to insurers of SB 20-215. Discussion ensued regarding what constitutes a "carrier" under the bill, and potential amendments to the bill. Discussion followed regarding other statutory definitions impact the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the make-up of the board that governs the enterprise created by SB 20-215.

Discussion ensued regarding public input on SB 20-215.

The following persons testified regarding SB 20-215:

Caitlyn Westerson, representing the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill.

Allison Neswood, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding costs for certain consumers under the bill, and the number of residents who may gain health insurance coverage as a result of the bill's passage. Discussion followed regarding eligibility requirements to participate in the program continued under the bill.

Amanda Massey, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in opposition to SB 20-215.

Jason Hopfer, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Massey responded to questions regarding costs assessed by the bill, and the population eligible for benefits under the plan. Mr. Hopfer responded to questions regarding whether the bill violates Article X, Section 20 of the Colorado Constitution, and the stakeholder process for creating the bill. The witnesses discussed what they would like to see change in the bill. Ms. Massey responded to questions regarding the pass-through nature of the fees assessed under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of money collected under SB 20-215.

Brad Neiderman, representing Colorado Association of State Underwriters, testified in opposition to SB 20-215.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Senator Lundberg read testimony from several stakeholder groups.

Michael Conway, Commissioner of Insurance, testified in support of SB 20-215. Mr. Conway responded to questions regarding a provision in the bill concerning cost shifting, and fees assessed to for-profit health care entities as compared to not-for-profit entities. Mr. Conway responded to further questions regarding various subsidies in the bill.

Mr. Conway responded to questions regarding the potential for the bill to drive inflation in the health care sector, and the merits of creating a state enterprise under SB 20-215. Mr. Conway responded to further questions regarding the timeline of the bill's drafting.

Ms. Karla Gonzales Garcia, representing COLOR, testified in support of SB 20-215.

Erin Miller, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill.

No amendments were offered to SB 20-215. Senators Donovan and Moreno provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the legislation.  A copy of the written testimony received on the bill can be found in Attachment A.