Legislature(1993 - 1994)
1994-01-28 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1994-01-28 House Journal Page 2182 HB 414 HOUSE BILL NO. 414 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act creating the Alaska Health Commission; relating to the delivery, quality, access, and financing of health care; relating to review and approval of rates and charges of health insurers; relating to certain civil actions against health care providers and health insurers; repealing Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 72.1; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal note, Office of the Governor, 1/28/94 Fiscal note, Dept. of Commerce & Economic Development, 1/28/94 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 28, 1994, appears below: 1994-01-28 House Journal Page 2183 HB 414 "Dear Speaker Barnes: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to health care reform. Alaskans' access to quality, affordable health care is a vital public interest. This bill addresses improvements to the delivery, quality, access, cost, and financing of health care services. The bill is not intended to be viewed as a comprehensive reform proposal. Rather, it is a measured, responsible step forward to set the stage for comprehensive reform. At the same time, however, the bill makes immediate improvements to the current health care system. As importantly, it creates a process that will provide the governor, the legislature, and the public with the information necessary to make rational health care reform decisions. The bill does not foreclose any reform options, including those presently being considered by Congress and by the state legislature. Immediate steps taken through this bill to close gaps in the health care system include: the adoption and implementation of a uniform claim form, the use of mandatory non-binding arbitration as an alternative to litigation in resolving certain health system disputes, facilitating the creation of pools for sharing risks or purchasing insurance relating to health care services, and requiring health insurers and related entities to obtain approval for certain rates or fees charged to consumers. The creation of the Alaska Health Commission, together with the duties imposed upon it, constitutes a major part of the bill. Along with being given authority to approve health insurer rates and other filings, the commission is charged with collecting and analyzing health care information and data. This information will serve as the basis for formulating, for the governor's and legislature's consideration, proposals on the primary mechanisms needed to effect meaningful comprehensive health care reform. This proposal allows a deliberate process for determining how Alaskans will reform their health care system. The proposal focuses on collecting Alaska health care data, and it allows for analysis of 1994-01-28 House Journal Page 2184 HB 414 what other states have done in the area. It also provides time to synchronize state efforts with those of impending federal health care reform. This bill requires that its objectives be completed within established time frames. The analysis to be provided by the commission, particularly with regard to the cost, financing, and implementation of health care reform, is critical given the current fiscal circumstances facing the state. It is essential that the fiscal impact of health care reform be fully considered before further action is taken. Please contact my staff if you need a detailed section-by-section description or additional explanation of the bill. I urge your favorable action on this important bill. Sincerely, /s/ Walter J. Hickel Governor"