Health benefit exchange study and select committee.
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Official record
Bill No.: <billno> Drafter: <drafterinit> Bill No.: HB0203 Drafter: IDS LSO No.: 13LSO-0441 Effective Date: Immediate Enrolled Act No.: HEA0119 Chapter No.: CH0116 Prime Sponsor: Representative Harvey Catch Title: Health benefit exchange study and select committee. Subject: Study and select committee on health insurance exchanges. Summary/Major Elements: Under the Affordable Care Act, a federally facilitated health insurance exchange will be operated in Wyoming. This legislation establishes a select committee, comprised of legislators, to study the federal governments operation of the health insurance exchange in all its parts and functions in order to determine whether it would be to Wyomings advantage to assume a part of the operation of the exchange. The study must identify the benefits and detriments of assuming any function, the costs of assuming the function and the methods by which Wyoming could conduct the function. The study must analyze how the operation of a federally facilitated exchange in Wyoming has impacted health insurance purchasers, employers, health insurance companies, health insurance sellers and the state. The legislation requires the Department of Health to conduct a study of the exchanges qualification of health insurance applicants for Medicaid. The results of this portion of the study must be completed by September 1, 2014. The legislation requires consideration of the state entering into interstate compacts with other states for the purpose of offering health insurance to residents of this state. The legislation limits any state actors ability to enroll Wyoming in any Medicaid expansion under the ACA until further action of the Legislature. The legislation requires the department of insurance to apply for grants to fund the required analysis. The legislation makes an appropriation to pay the expenses of the select committee. Comments: A preliminary report is required by December 1, 2013, which must recommend whether Wyoming should participle in an exchange and, if so, what functions it should assume. A final report is required by October 1, 2014.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 7, 9:15 AM
R · S30
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it prepares the state for upcoming national health reform and tracks the performance of health benefit exchanges, including a potential future takeover by the state.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill to monitor and study the impact of federally imposed exchanges on citizens so the state can react appropriately, regardless of personal views on Medicaid.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill as a study measure to ensure Medicaid eligibility expansion remains under legislative control rather than automatic agency action.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker reiterates opposition because the bill is now flawed and redundant with an existing interim committee, making it not worth passing.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker urges support by arguing that Medicaid eligibility is a related function of the exchange portal and studying it provides necessary information for intelligent future decisions.
Why they voted this way
The speaker explains that initial concerns about workload were alleviated because the amendments allow for tracking Medicaid eligibility and enrollment data through automated computer reports rather than additional manual work. They also support the inclusion of an audit to compare error rates between different enrollment methods.
Why they voted this way
The speaker states that the final amendment made the bill acceptable to them by allowing future legislative review if needed.
S13
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker argues that removing the prohibition sends a message of no confidence to the Department of Health and its director. He believes allowing the agency to study Medicaid expansion keeps them informed without granting authority to act.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because it only removes the prohibition on studying Medicaid expansion without giving the agency authority to implement changes. She emphasizes that legislative approval is still required for any action.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because removing a specific date reduces public concern while maintaining the requirement for legislative approval before action is taken. He believes this language better reflects the intent of previous amendments.
R · S27
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because he agrees with removing a fixed date to avoid putting the legislature in a straitjacket. He believes this allows for necessary flexibility and reactivity as federal health reform details emerge.
R · S30
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the second amendment as a reasonable compromise that improves upon previous language, noting agreement from the Director of the Health Department.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes expanding firefighter license plates to retired firefighters because he believes it defeats the purpose of alerting emergency responders that a trained individual is present. He argues retirees could be incapacitated or get in the way during emergencies.
Wyoming roll calls
9 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
4 stored
Adopted Standing Committee by H02
Failed 3rd reading by HASTERT
Adopted 3rd reading by PERKINS
Adopted Committee of the Whole by SCOTT