7B095485D3BFBA5587258272007C8419 Hearing Summary

Representative Michaelson Jenet, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1357 to the committee.  This bill creates the Office of the Ombudsperson for Behavioral Health Access to Care and requires that health insurance carriers report specific information to the Commissioner of Insurance on mental health parity requirements.  Representative Michaelson Jenet distributed amendments L.001 and L.002 to the committee [Attachments L and M].

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Rebecca Swanson, Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions.

Bev Marquez, Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Petre Hill responded to committee questions.

Christina Johnson, Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

Aubrey Boggs. Colorado Mental Wellness Network, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout (Attachment N).    

Molly Gilpin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Margaret Elmer, National Alliance on Mental Illness - Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Joshua Ewing, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Sheryl Stefaniak, Colorado Psychiatric Society, testified in support of the bill.

Kathryn Dieck, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Stefaniak responded to committee questions.

Sara Orrange, America's Health Insurance Plans, testified in a neutral position on the bill.  Ms. Orrange responded to committee questions.

A packet of witness testimony was distributed to the committee (Attachment O).

Representative Michaelson Jenet gave concluding remarks on the bill.