s_hhs_2016a_2016-01-08t09:06:39z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/08/2016

09:09 AM -- Presentation by the Commission on Affordable Health Care



Bill Lindsay, Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care (CCAHC) Chair, introduced himself and provided a presentation handout (Attachment C). He highlighted the legislative charge of the CCAHC and the commissioners who serve on the CCAHC. He referenced newspaper articles concerning high health care costs that are referred to in the handout. He outlined the phases of work for the CCAHC, and stated that the CCAHC is now in the evaluation phase. Mr. Lindsay reviewed the framework for the CCAHC outlined on page 8 of the handout.



160108 AttachC.pdf



09:15 AM



Cindy Sovine-Miller, CCAHC Co-chair, discussed the importance of transparency and informing customers about the quality and cost of health care. She reviewed the information on page 10 of the handout about health care spending. She discussed the shortage of primary care providers in Colorado. Ms. Sovine-Miller reviewed the health insurance coverage data provided on page 11 of the handout. She reviewed the work plan and timeline for the CCAHC.



09:22 AM



Representative Primavera discussed the physical rehabilitation study that was conducted by the CCAHC. Mr. Lindsay answered questions about the study. There was discussion about establishing a pilot program to provide additional data about potential cost savings that could be provided by physical rehabilitation and other therapies.



09:31 AM



Representative Joshi asked Mr. Lindsay about administrative costs related to health care. Discussion continued about increases in public health insurance enrollment, increased health insurance rates, and pharmaceutical costs. Ms. Sovine-Miller and Mr. Lindsay answered questions about the funding for the CCAHC. Discussion about health care costs ensued. Senator Lundberg referenced medical cost-sharing programs.



09:44 AM



In response to a question, Mr. Lindsay discussed the charge of the CCAHC and whether the CCAHC would be analyzing the underlying costs of health care. He discussed providing patients with options on care to make informed health care decisions. Discussion ensued about prescription drug costs and access. Ms. Sovine-Miller answered questions about whether the CCAHC partners with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to access data related to employer-sponsored health insurance. In response to a question, Mr. Lindsay discussed aspects of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.



10:00 AM



Mr. Lindsay answered questions about the funding for the CCAHC. Dialogue about the CCAHC ensued.