Learn the Issues: Commission for Health Care Reform
What is the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform?
The Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform, created in 2006 through Colorado Senate Bill 208, was charged with finding ways to expand health care coverage and reduce health care costs for Coloradoans. Comprised of 27 appointed members -- including business leaders, consumer representatives, health insurance representatives, and health policy experts – the Commission developed a package of recommendations to achieve comprehensive health care reform in Colorado. If adopted, the recommendations would reduce the number of uninsured by an estimated 88 percent, and streamlining measures would save an estimated $167 million in administrative costs..
How does it affect the business community?
Lawmakers closely watched the work of the group last year, because the Commission recommendations may form the basis of large-scale health care reform in Colorado in coming years. New laws could have a profound impact on employers.
The Commission recommendations include:
• strategies to improve efficiency and reduce administrative costs.
• a requirement for individuals to purchase health insurance.
• changes to insurer rules so that everyone – healthy and sick alike – can comply with the mandate to purchase insurance and buy it at a consistent price.
• creating a “Connector” to help people understand their private insurance options.
• subsidies for people who cannot afford the full cost of private insurance.
• public program expansions and improvements.
• incentives to improve access and quality of care.
The Commission projected how five different reform proposals would reduce the number of uninsured; increase or lower costs; and affect different stakeholder groups, including large and small employers. As a result of this analysis and the recommendations of an employer task force, the Commission recommended against requiring employers to offer health insurance to employees. However, the Commission recommended that the state require employers to offer pre-tax plans to help workers buy insurance themselves.
Recent developments
In response to the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform’s recommendations to the legislature, Gov. Ritter unveiled his "Building Blocks for Health Care Reform,” which outlined initial steps toward the Commission’s vision of comprehensive health care reform. As a result, the following important gains were achieved in 2008 by executive order and legislation:
Expansion and improvement of public programs
• Expanded public program eligibility for children
• A simpler public program application process and expanded outreach efforts
• Increased payments to physicians who treat patients enrolled in Medicaid
• A medical home for every child enrolled in Medicaid and CHP+
• Expanded mental health and dental benefits
• Expanded programs for people with disabilities and study of additional programs
Improved Quality and Efficiency in Health Care
• Creation of a public/private Center for Value in Health Care Purchasing
• Standardization of health plan ID cards
• Requirement to disclose health insurance broker commissions
• Funding for the statewide immunization registry and other investments in health information technology
In addition, Centennial Care Choices (Senate Bill 217) created a process to gather information from health insurers about low-cost, minimum benefit packages for uninsured people who earn too much to qualify for public programs but can't afford private insurance. Results will be presented to a Governor-appointed panel of experts after an actuarial and legislative analysis. This panel will explore issues of critical importance to employers, including the feasibility of an individual mandate, the scope of the benefit package, its affordability and the need for subsidies.
Resources
Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform
Lists all submitted proposals, technical analysis of five proposals, task force reports, authorizing legislation, and the final report.
Click here for information on Gov. Ritter’s “Building Blocks for Health Care Reform” and related executive orders.
Business Health Forum memo to the Blue Ribbon Commission
Health care reform survey, Business Health Forum