Health Security Commission Act

Summary: The Health Security Commission Act creates a commission to study the condition of the state’s health insurance marketplace and recommend state/local action to help residents obtain or maintain affordable health insurance.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act shall be called the “Health Security Commission Act.”

SECTION 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

(A) FINDINGS—The [legislature/council] finds that:

  1. At the federal level, efforts continue to weaken or destroy the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that repeal of the ACA would result in 22 million people becoming uninsured. With a market collapse likely ensuing, an additional 7.3 million people would lose insurance, leading to a total of nearly 30 million people losing health care coverage.
  2. In fact, in our state, [NUMBER] people would likely become uninsured in the aftermath of an ACA repeal or collapse.
  3. Since the health care marketplace is not likely to be fixed at the federal level for years to come, our [state/city] must step up and address the problem.
  4. The first step is to identify what the [state/city] can do. A commission is the best way to gather research, obtain input from healthcare interests and the public, and make recommendations.

(B) PURPOSE—This law is enacted to protect the health, safety and welfare of [state/city] residents.

SECTION 3. STUDY TO ASSESS THE HEALTHCARE MARKETPLACE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS

(A) ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION

  1. There is established a Health Security Commission.
  2. The commission shall consist of 11 members as follows:

[a. Two senators appointed by the President of the Senate.

  1. Two representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House [of Representatives].
  2. Seven public members appointed jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House [of Representatives] including at least one member with expertise in health care finance, one member who is knowledgeable about [State’s] economy, one member who is knowledgeable about hospital administration, and one member who advocates for health care patients.]
  3. The public members of the commission may receive compensation for per diem or reimbursement for travel or other expenses incurred in serving on the commission.
  4. The House and Senate [Health] Committees shall assign committee staff to provide support services for the commission.]
  5. As part of its study, the commission shall conduct a series of hearings [around the state].

(B) NATURE OF THE STUDY—The study shall include:

  1. An assessment of the current healthcare marketplace, the likely future of that marketplace, and potential effects of health care coverage loss on the citizens, public health, and economy of the state.
  2. An estimate of the costs to the state and its citizens of adverse effects associated with the destruction or substantial weakening of the ACA, and resulting healthcare coverage losses.
  3. An examination of measures that might prevent or mitigate the effects of the federal attack on the ACA, or any other measures that would increase healthcare access and/or lower healthcare costs. [One of the measures to be studied is allowing residents to “buy-in” to the state Medicaid program.]
  4. Recommendations for laws and regulations that assist citizens in obtaining and maintaining affordable health care.

(C) REPORT—The commission shall report the results of this study, including any legislative proposals, on or before January 1, 20XX.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act shall take effect on July 1, 20XX.

 

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