Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/07/2010 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB208 | |
| SB235 | |
| SB301 | |
| HB162 | |
| SB63 | |
| SB172 | |
| SB184 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 208 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 235 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 301 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 162 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 63 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 172 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 184 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 172
"An Act establishing the Alaska Health Care Commission
in the Department of Health and Social Services; and
providing for an effective date."
9:35:46 AM
DENISE LICCIOLI, STAFF, SENATOR OLSON, delivered the
sponsor statement.
Alaska is currently facing serious healthcare cost,
access and quality issues. Between 1991 and 2005,
health care expenditures in our state more than
tripled from $1.6 billion to $5.3 billion. All levels
of government--state, local, and federal- are
affected, and Alaska's economy cannot sustain this
inflationary growth. The purpose of SB 172 is to
establish in statute the Alaska Health Care Commission
to address the need for health care reform in our
state. The issue is complex and broad in scope, and
cannot be dealt with adequately unless we have a
permanent body to plan and follow through for long
range comprehensive health care reform.
The two most recent groups to work on the issue of
health care reform in Alaska, the Alaska Health Care
Roundtable (2005) and the Alaska Health Care
Strategies Planning Council (2007), both recommend
that a permanent body be established to address the
problem of health care reform. The Roundtable (which
met for 2 years) and the Planning Council (which met
for 6 months) recognized that the problem is too great
to be effectively addressed though a short-term, ad-
hoc body.
The Alaska Health Care Commission would be established
in the Department of Health and Social Services, and
would consist of a ten member body including public
officials and private citizens. Representatives from
both the executive and legislative branches of state
government are included, as well as citizens
representing the private business sector, the health
care community, and consumers. Three members are to be
ex officio appointees from the legislature and the
governor's office. The composition and small size
would enable efficient and effective teamwork and
decision-making, while bringing a balance of
viewpoints and perspectives.
The commission would provide its recommendations and
support the development of a statewide plan to address
the quality, accessibility, and availability of health
care for all citizens of the State. A plan for reform
will be based on education, sustainability, management
efficiency, health care effectiveness, private-public
partnerships, research, personal responsibility and
individual choice.
Alaska's need for healthcare reform is pressing and
must be dealt with thoroughly and efficiently, with a
long range view toward meaningful and lasting change.
The Alaska Health Care Commission would play an
important role in this process, and it is essential
that we make it permanent as well as future issues
with Alaska's healthcare systems can be better
anticipated, understood, and addressed.
9:40:45 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked why a permanent board is proposed
when the administration performs similar work by
administrative order.
Ms. Liccioli responded that the administrative order
establishing the healthcare commission was temporary.
Senator Thomas asked if the university was considered for
board representation as they employ many on the involved
work force.
Ms. Liccioli responded that the university was considered
along with many other groups who would bring valuable
expertise to the commission. She understood that the desire
was to keep the commission small while including a wide
range of views and perspective.
9:42:31 AM
WARD HURLBURT, CHAIR HEALTH CARE COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, stated that the administration
supports the legislation. He commented that the state lacks
affordable health care services. Nationally, analysts state
that we spend 18 percent of gross domestic product on
health care services. Alaska spends approximately $6
billion a year on health care services. Every state is
overwhelmed by the increasing cost of Medicare. The
individuals on the current health care commission have
united as a small working group with every member invested
and engaged. He commented on challenges presented by the
national health care reform commission. He cited the need
for specific Alaskan analysis as health care reform is
addressed.
9:48:13 AM
Senator Egan asked if the commission will perform the
contracting for the projected funding. Mr. Hurlburt
responded that the funding is available through the fiscal
note.
9:49:08 AM
LAURIE HERMAN, DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PROVIDENCE
HEALTH AND SERVICES testified in support of SB 172. She
echoed the comments of Senator Olson's staff.
9:50:18 AM
SONIA HANDFORTH KOME, PRESIDENT, ALASKA PRIMARY CARE
ASSOCIATION (via teleconference) stated that the Alaska
Primary Care Association strongly supports the SB 172 for
the establishment of the health commission. She appreciated
the inclusion of a primary care physician seat; however,
the association feels that a primary care safety net seat
and more specifically a community health center seat on the
commission is important. She advocated for community health
centers, which belong to a statewide and nationwide system
and provide primary and preventative medical care and case
management along with dental and behavioral health care
prevention and case management. Community health centers
have been shown to reduce Medicaid costs. She opined that a
designated community health center seat, in statute is
therefore necessary.
9:52:52 AM
PAT LUBY, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
RETIRED PERSONS (via teleconference) testified in support
of the legislation. He stated that SB 172 would extend the
life of the Alaska Health Care Commission. With the recent
national action on health care, every state must have a
group of experts who can determine how to make the federal
legislation work. He advocated for extending the sunset
date.
Co-Chair Stedman mentioned one fiscal note from the
Department of Health and Social Services for $500 thousand
in general funds to cover the cost of operations in the
commission.
SB 172 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.