Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SSCR 8409
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Forming a joint select committee on health reform implementation.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senator Keiser).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/10
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Congress is considering legislation affecting several elements of the health care delivery system. If legislation passes the Congress and is signed by the President, there could be several simultaneous changes to the public and private elements of the health care delivery system requiring state action.
Proposals under consideration in Congress include:
private sector insurance reforms;
new health care coverage purchasing exchanges for the individual and small group markets;
development of new benefit standards;
creation of new federal subsidies for premiums and cost-sharing;
Medicaid program changes;
Medicare program changes;
a new national long-term care insurance program;
demonstration projects on payment approaches with health homes, bundled payments, and accountable care organizations;
a reinsurance program for employers offering retiree coverage;
administrative simplification standards;
comparative effectiveness research;
wellness and preventive activities;
nutritional labeling requirements;
health workforce activities;
grants for community health centers, school-based health centers, and nurse managed health centers; and
new tax credits and new tax assessments.
Summary of Bill:
The Joint Select Committee on Health Reform Implementation is created as a legislative committee. The committee will be co-chaired by the House and Senate Health Committee Chairs, and leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives will appoint two members from each caucus. The co-chairs may direct the formation of advisory committees to focus on specific topic areas such as insurance regulation, access and expansion of public and private programs, and workforce issues, and may invite interested stakeholders and additional experts.
All participation in the joint select committee and any advisory committees is without compensation. The committee expires by June 30, 2014.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.