Bill > S3071

This bill establishes a study to explore the creation of a public health insurance option in the Commonwealth, which would be a government-run health insurance plan available to residents. The Health Policy Commission, working with other state agencies like the Center for Health Information and Analysis and the Division of Insurance, will conduct a comprehensive review. This review will involve examining public health insurance options in other states, analyzing different models for such an option, estimating the costs associated with implementing these models, and comparing private insurance payment rates to Medicare rates. The resulting report will offer recommendations on the best model for a public health option, which state agency should manage it, estimated administrative costs and funding sources, eligibility requirements, projected premium rates, proposed payment rates for services and providers, and guidelines for healthcare provider participation. If the study finds that a public health option could lead to cost savings and slower spending growth compared to private insurance, the report will also include draft legislation for the legislature to consider. The report is due 12 months after the bill becomes law and will be submitted to legislative leadership and relevant committees.