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S_HHS_2018A 04/18/2018 10:24:56 AM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Date 04/18/2018
Attendance
Aguilar X
Crowder X
Kefalas X
Martinez Humenik X
Smallwood X
Time 10:24:56 AM to 01:20:11 PM
Place SCR 354
This Meeting was called to order by Smallwood
This Report was prepared by Elizabeth Haskell
Hearing Items Action Taken
SB18-237 Postponed Indefinitely

SB18-237 - Postponed Indefinitely

10:24:58 AM  

Senator Gardner, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-237.  The bill requires health insurers to cover emergency services as an in-network benefit and makes other changes regarding out-of-network billing and disclosures. 

Amendments L.001, L.002, and L.003 were distributed to the committee (Attachment A, B, and C).

10:35:20 AM  

Emily Michels, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill.

10:39:59 AM  
Kelly Walters, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.
10:42:29 AM  

Chuck Woodard, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

10:46:24 AM  

Ms. Michels, Ms. Walters, and Mr. Woodard responded to questions.

10:50:06 AM  
Senator Gardner responded to committee questions.
10:52:25 AM  
Committee discussion and questions ensued.
10:54:29 AM  

Chris Montera, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Association of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:04:08 AM  
Mr. Montera responded to questions.
11:09:24 AM  
Chief Ray Jennings, EMS Association of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.
11:11:55 AM  

Dr. David Friedenson, Colorado - American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), testified in opposition to the bill.

11:19:54 AM  
Dr. Friedenson, Mr. Montera, and Chief Jennings responded to questions.
11:38:09 AM  
Amber Burkhart, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in opposition to the bill.
11:41:33 AM  

Dr. Nathaniel Hibbs, Colorado - ACEP, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:45:55 AM  
Marc Reece, Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in support of the bill.
11:50:34 AM  
Elisabeth Arenales, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.
12:00:36 PM  

Mr. Reece and Ms. Arenales responded to questions.

12:07:35 PM  

Christy Chase, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions about amendment L.004 (Attachment D).

12:08:56 PM  
Mr. Reece responded to questions. Committee questions and discussion continued.
12:22:01 PM  
Dr. Friedenson and Dr. Hibbs returned to the table and responded to questions.
12:25:13 PM  

Peg Brown, Colorado Division of Insurance, responded to questions.

 

Amendment L.005 was distributed to the committee (Attachment E).

12:32:05 PM  
Senator Gardner made closing comments.
12:37:58 PM  

Senator Smallwood recessed the committee.

01:00:09 PM  

Senator Smallwood reconvened the meeting.



01:01:05 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.003 (Attachment C).
Moved Aguilar
Seconded
Aguilar
Crowder
Kefalas
Martinez Humenik
Smallwood
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


01:01:38 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.005 (Attachment E).
Moved Aguilar
Seconded
Aguilar
Crowder
Kefalas
Martinez Humenik
Smallwood
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


01:05:49 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment A).
Moved Aguilar
Seconded
Aguilar
Crowder
Kefalas
Martinez Humenik
Smallwood
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection


01:17:53 PM
Motion Refer Senate Bill 18-237, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Aguilar
Seconded
Aguilar Yes
Crowder No
Kefalas Yes
Martinez Humenik No
Smallwood No
YES: 2   NO: 3   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  FAIL


01:19:49 PM
Motion Postpone Senate Bill 18-237 indefinitely.
Moved Crowder
Seconded
Aguilar No
Crowder Yes
Kefalas No
Martinez Humenik Yes
Smallwood Yes
Final YES: 3   NO: 2   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


01:20:11 PM   Committee Adjourned






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