S_HHS_2018A 03/08/2018 02:17:02 PM Committee Summary

Desta Taye-Channell, appointee, came to the table and told the committee about her background and the reasons why she wants to serve on the State Board of Human Services.  Ms. Taye-Channell's appointment letter may be found in Attachment A.  Her application and resume are available at the State Archives.

Chris Watney, appointee, told the committee about her background and why she wants to serve on the State Board of Human Services.  Ms. Watney's appointment letter may be found in Attachment B.  Her application and resume are available at the State Archives.

Senator Aguilar, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1012.  The bill places certain restrictions on contracts between health insurance carriers or other entities that offer vision care plans (insurers) and eye care providers.  Specifically, this bill prohibits an insurer from requiring an eye care provider to:

• provide services or materials to a covered person at a fee set by, or subject to the approval of, the insurer unless the services or materials are covered by the vision care plan and the insurer provides payment for the covered service or material in an amount that is not nominal or de minimis;
• charge a covered person an amount for a noncovered service or material that is less than the usual and customary amount that the eye care provider charges for persons who do not have a vision care plan; or
• participate in other vision plan networks offered by the insurer as a condition of participating in a vision care plan. 

 

Senator Aguilar responded to questions from the committee.  Amendment L.008 was distributed to the committee (Atttachment C).

Micki Hackenberger, National Association of Vision Care Plans, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Deanna Alexander, Colorado Optometric Association (COA), testified in support of the bill.

Sean Claflin, COA, testified in support of the bill.

David Navas, Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Hackenberger responded to questions.

Mr. Navas and Mr. Claflin responded to questions.

Committee comments followed.

Jon Pederson, COA, testified in support of the bill.

Zoey Loomis, COA, testified in support of the bill.

Committee comments and questions followed.

Senators Todd and Martinez Humenik, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1196.  The reengrossed bill adds licensed psychologists or other licensed or certified health care personnel deemed appropriate by the Department of Human Services to the list of professionals who can examine and certify the diagnosis, prognosis, and other relevant medical or mental factors for an applicant for Aid to the Needy Disabled Program.

Allison Neswood, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Aubrey Hasvold , Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill.

Theresa Schiavone, National Alliance on Mental Illness - Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Hasvold and Ms. Neswood responded to questions from the committee.

Danielle Dunaway, Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Janet Rose, Bayaud Enterprises, testified in support of the bill.

Francesca Maes, Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Smallwood recessed the meeting

Senator Smallwood reconvened the meeting.

Ms. Neswood returned to the table and responded to committee concerns.

Committee members discussed a conceptual amendment.