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8A06054EEBC61050872584490056CECB Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For HISTORY AND OVERVIEW OF CONNECT FOR HEALTH COLORADO

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Date Aug 1, 2019      
Location LSB B



History and Overview of Connect for Health Colorado - Committee Discussion Only


09:48:12 AM  

Kevin Patterson, Connect for Health Colorado, presented on the history of Connect for Health Colorado (exchange).  He distributed three handouts to the committee (http://leg.colorado.gov/node/1480871/ ).  Mr. Patterson discussed the role of the exchange in helping consumers identify and enroll in health insurance plans that best fit their needs.  He pointed out that the exchange is not the state's Medicaid agency nor does it regulate the insurance industry.

09:54:03 AM  

Mr. Patterson discussed the exchange's 2017-2020 Strategic Plan.  He told the committee that the exchange seeks to maximize the number of consumers and employers who shop and enroll through the exchange and apply for financial assistance. 

09:57:18 AM  
Mr. Patterson discussed the exchange's value to consumers and the financial assistance available to them.  He spoke about the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) and the number of consumers eligible for this financial assistance.  He discussed the increase in the amount of APTC available to consumers in 2019,  which reduced the cost of premiums.
09:59:52 AM  

Mr. Patterson discussed the insurance providers who offer plans on the exchange.  He discussed the number of enrollments by age and discussed the resources the exchange provides to help individuals select the best coverage for their needs.

10:05:53 AM  

Mr. Patterson discussed the future goals of the exchange. He spoke about improvements to the exchange's website, including modernizing the platform, making it more consumer friendly, and improving customer service support.

10:09:12 AM  

Mr. Patterson discussed 2019 legislation impacting the operations of the exchange.  He spoke about House Bill 19-1168, which established the reinsurance program.  Mr. Patterson responded to question about the reinsurance program.  He stated that the reinsurance program is expected to lower premiums for all individuals who purchase individual plans, not just those who purchase coverage through the exchange.  He discussed the cost of medical care and told the committee the exchange does not have the ability to impact the cost of coverage.

10:15:48 AM  

Mr. Patterson addressed concerns about insurers pulling out of rural markets. He told the committee that the exchange advocates for insurers to cover rural areas, but it has no way to require participation in rural area. 

10:18:36 AM  
Marc Reece, Connect for Health Board of Directors, responded to questions about increasing competition between insurers offering health care plans in rural areas. Mr. Patterson discussed the drop in covered individuals between FY 2016-17 and FY 2017-18.
10:27:19 AM  

Committee discussion and questions followed about APTC, enrollment numbers, and the number of insurers offering health and dental plans on the exchange.  Mr. Patterson discussed the carrier fees associated with offering plans on the exchange. 






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