Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
04/08/2015 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB74 | |
| SB53 | |
| SB90 | |
| HB4 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 90 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 74 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 90-MEDICAID: USED DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
1:58:49 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN announced the consideration of SB 90.
1:59:31 PM
BRANDON BREFCZYNSKI, Staff, Senator Bill Stoltze, Alaska State
Legislature, presented SB 90 on behalf of the sponsor. He
summarized that SB 90 will grant the Department of Health and
Social Services (DHSS) the authority to use Medicaid funds for
the purchase of durable medical equipment. Durable medical
equipment includes things like wheel chairs, walkers, bed lifts,
and shower curtains. Currently, the state Medicaid program does
not allow for reimbursement of used durable medical equipment,
even though it is allowed under federal law. Several other
states have created durable medical equipment programs and have
seen real cost savings. SB 90 will not cost the state anything.
2:00:00 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN opened public testimony.
2:00:10 PM
PATRICK REINHART, Director, Governor's Council on Disability &
Special Education, testified in support of SB 90. He shared a
story about a visit to a durable medical equipment store. He
said he would like to see this type of store in Alaska. He noted
that the store's help were people with disabilities.
2:02:59 PM
JIM BECK, Executive Director, Access Alaska, testified in
support of SB 90. He described the equipment that Access Alaska
carries, how they operate, and how much equipment is lent out.
He said there are substantial benefits to the state from SB 90.
2:05:02 PM
JOHN CANNON, President, Key Coalition of Alaska, testified in
support of SB 90. He said that this bill is one of Key
Coalition's top priorities. Currently, the state prohibits the
purchase of used medical equipment. He noted other states'
experiences of cost savings from their durable medical equipment
reuse programs. He made a suggestion to offer re-ownership
policies. He cautioned about the impact on durable medical
equipment industry and providers. He urged passage of the bill.
2:09:21 PM
KIM CHAMPNEY, Chief of Services, REACH and Alaska Association on
Developmental Disabilities, testified in support of SB 90. She
shared a story about one of her clients, the process of working
with an equipment vendor, and the difficulties and expenses
involved. If Medicaid dollars are involved many issues will be
solved. She concluded that Access Alaska has successfully
developed and implemented a pilot program for used durable
medical equipment.
CHAIR STEDMAN closed public testimony.
CHAIR STEDMAN held SB 90 in committee.