AF8349981E76844287258273006658FD Hearing Summary

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).

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

Kelly Walters, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

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

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

Senator Gardner responded to committee questions.

Committee discussion and questions ensued.

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

Mr. Montera responded to questions.

Chief Ray Jennings, EMS Association of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Dr. Friedenson, Mr. Montera, and Chief Jennings responded to questions.

Amber Burkhart, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

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

Marc Reece, Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in support of the bill.

Elisabeth Arenales, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Reece and Ms. Arenales responded to questions.

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

Mr. Reece responded to questions. Committee questions and discussion continued.

Dr. Friedenson and Dr. Hibbs returned to the table and responded to questions.

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

 

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

Senator Gardner made closing comments.

Senator Smallwood recessed the committee.

Senator Smallwood reconvened the meeting.