J_HCE_2023A 09/05/2023 01:04:11 PM Committee Summary

Senator Roberts, Chair, reviewed the charge of the committee and gave an overview of the agenda for the meeting.

Rachel Reiter, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), spoke about the partnership between the state and federal government regarding Medicaid as the pandemic emergency orders end. She described the collaboration between HCPF and Connect for Health Colorado and shared statistics regarding coverage in the state. The presentation may be found as Attachment A.

Nina Schwartz, Connect for Health Colorado, spoke about the Medicaid to marketplace bridge in the insurance market in Colorado. She gave an overview of ongoing partnerships and activities to support awareness.

Members of the panel answered questions from committee members regarding enrollment numbers. The panel also answered questions regarding funding and working with local interest groups.

Kevin Patterson, Connect for Health Colorado, gave an overview of his career before becoming CEO of Connect for Health Colorado. The presentation may be found as Attachment B. He went over the charge and work done by Connect for Health Colorado. He reviewed information about the financial assistance and enrollment assistance provided through the exchange

Mr. Patterson discussed how the exchange is preparing for open enrollment, which will be occurring from November 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024. He reviewed information about Friday Health Plans leaving the marketplace mid-cycle. He discussed policy changes and the effects they've had on consumer savings and enrollment numbers.

Mr. Patterson answered questions from members of the committee regarding policy changes.

Mr. Patterson spoke about the OmniSalud program and discussed preparations being made for the upcoming enrollment period.

Mr. Patterson answered questions from members of the committee regarding small businesses on the insurance exchange.

Commissioner Michael Conway, Division of Insurance, DORA, gave an update on individual market plans and the division's requested rate increases. The presentation may be found as Attachment C. Commissioner Conway answered a question regarding availability in different counties in the state. He gave an overview of the rate review timeline.

Commissioner Conway gave an overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Section 1332 Waiver through the federal government. He discussed the division receiving $235 million in pass through funding from the waiver and how these savings came from the Reinsurance and Colorado Option programs.

Commissioner Conway answered questions from members of the committee regarding rate changes. He continued to answer questions regarding the ACA 1332 Waiver and how the pass through funding is used.

Kevin Patterson, Connect for Health Colorado, shared his thoughts on changing the meeting requirements of the committee. Members of the committee shared their thoughts on adjusting the committee make up and meeting requirements.

Amanda King, Legislative
Council Staff, gave an overview of the requirements and important dates
regarding requesting a bill draft.



Kristen Forrestal,
Office of Legislative Legal Services, spoke about the process of drafting
the bill.

Representative Ricks opened discussion on submitting a bill draft request regarding small businesses.

Senator Roberts discussed a request to draft a bill to ensure prescription drug related laws passed recently are followed.