CO HB1384

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and Division of Insurance must conduct a study and submit a report by February 15, 2019 to the General Assembly evaluating three health care coverage options: a Medicaid buy-in option, a public-private partnership option similar to the Children's Basic Health Plan, and a community- or regionally based cooperative health plan affiliated with a private carrier.

The study must include actuarial research on premiums and cost-sharing, provider rates, eligibility criteria, impacts on the state budget, individual market stability, Colorado Health Benefit Exchange, and existing health programs.

The report must analyze advantages and disadvantages of each option and identify the most feasible option based on affordability to consumers at different income levels, administrative and financial burden to the state, ease of implementation, and likelihood of success.

The study shall include a stakeholder process with public and private health insurance experts, consumers, consumer advocates, providers, and carriers, and must investigate feasibility of establishing a pilot program in areas with limited consumer choice and high premiums.

$225,000 is appropriated to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and $135,141 to the Division of Insurance for the 2018-19 fiscal year to conduct the study, which automatically repeals on July 1, 2020.