Bill > H992

This bill aims to control healthcare costs by implementing a temporary halt on new mandated health benefit legislation until specific economic conditions are met, namely a zero or negative increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for medical care services for two consecutive years, or until July 31, 2016. A "mandated health benefit" is defined as a requirement for health insurance to cover specific services, diseases, providers, or to alter how health insurers operate. Crucially, before any bill proposing a mandated health benefit can be favorably reported by legislative committees, it must undergo a thorough review and evaluation by the Center for Health Information and Analysis. This review will assess the financial impact, including projected cost increases or decreases, effects on the use of services, impact on providers, costs to various purchasers like small businesses and individuals, and the overall effect on the healthcare system and state budget. The Center will also evaluate the medical efficacy of the proposed benefit and, if applicable, the proficiency of any new class of practitioners being considered for coverage. State agencies proposing new mandated benefits through rules or guidance must also obtain this review before public hearings, and all parties involved are required to provide relevant cost and utilization data to the Center to aid its analysis.