h_hie_2017a_2017-05-09t12:59:46z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/09/2017

Location: HCR 0107

02:01 PM -- SB 17-300



Representative Kennedy presented Senate Bill 17-300 to the committee, along with amendment L.003 (Attachment C). The reengrossed bill requires the Commissioner of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to study methods of providing health care coverage to high-risk individuals and reducing health insurance premiums in the individual market. Specifically, the commissioner is required to explore the feasibility of a high-risk pool, a reinsurance program, or other high-risk programs. The commissioner will take into consideration:



170509 AttachC.pdf



• requirements to comply with federal laws and regulations in order to qualify for federal financial support;

• potential financial impacts to consumers and the business community;

• potential funding mechanisms; and

• procedural requirements for seeking a federal waiver.



Upon completion of the study, the commissioner must report to the Joint Budget Committee and the health committees of the General Assembly by October 1, 2017, and present the report as part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies SMART Government Act hearing. The commissioner may seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from private or public sources to implement the bill. The study requirements are repealed June 30, 2018.





02:13 PM -- Peg Brown, representing the Division of Insurance, testified in support of the bill.



02:25 PM -- Bethany Pray, representing the Colorado Center on Law & Policy, testified in support of the bill.



02:27 PM -- Sara Orrange, representing Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in support of the bill and in opposition to the amendment.



02:30 PM -- Virginia Morrison Love, representing America's Health Insurance Plans, testified in support of the bill.