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Health Reform Bills

Fueled by the increasing number of uninsured Americans, the declining number of employ­ers offering insurance to their employees, the improved fiscal conditions in the states and the lack of federal action, states are leading the way in health care reform.  States are using market-based initiatives, Medicaid and SCHIP expansions, and public-private partnership to increase access and affordability of insurance.

Iowa has taken important steps towards universal coverage with its Health Care Reform Act of 2008. The plan targets a wide scope of strategies to improve coverage for children and adults. New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine recently signed legislation that will establish a health insurance mandate for New Jersey residents. The plan will be implemented in phases, beginning with coverage of children and expanding to include the entire population by 2011. Massachusetts and Vermont passed laws in 2006 to achieve universal (or nearly univer­sal) coverage as well as addressing cost and quality.

Covering all uninsured kids is the goal of many states. Other states adopted more incremental reforms to focus on the eight in 10 uninsured Americans in working families--many of whom work for small businesses that cannot afford coverage. States are also targeting cov­erage for young adults--the fastest growing segment of the uninsured population.

Health reform will remain a priority this year. Several states have commissions charged with creating recommendations for expanding coverage and reforming health care. Political leadership in other states are poised to act in 2008.

Note: Please see archived 2008 legislation, 2007 legislation, 2006 legislation and 2005 legislation for a more comprehensive listing of states considering legislation.

Health Reform Bills 2008-2009

State	Bill
CA	A.B. 8   A merged Senate and House bill.  These bill would include an employer assessment of 7.5% of their payrolls to workers' health coverage. The proposal excludes a requirement that all state residents obtain health care insurance. The legislature passed AB 8 on September 10 and sent it to the Governor, who called a special legislative session to finalize details of reform with the Democratic leadership. On October 12, 2007 the Governor vetoed the bill. Inactive  On November 6, 2007 legislative leaders announced plans to introduce ABx1, a compromise between AB8 and the Governor’s proposal. Failed in Senate S.B. 840 Would establish the California Universal Healthcare System to be administered by the newly created California Universal Healthcare Agency under the control of a Universal Healthcare Commissioner appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate.  On Appr. Suspense File (6/01/08)
CO	A.B. 8 Relates to the provision of quality, affordable health insurance to all Colorado children by the year 2010. Would include enrolling all currently eligible children in Medicaid and the CHP+, expand coverage for children in families who do not qualify for public programs, but cannot afford private coverage and improve access to affordable coverage for children in familes who are privately insured. Signed by Speaker of the House (2/18/08) H.B. 1311 Would establish the small group limited health benefit plan. Beginning January 2009, would require small employer health insurance carriers to offer a limited benfit plan available to employers who have not offered health coverage in the past 12 months. Postponed indefinitely (2/28/08) H.B. 1390 Establishes long-term funding structure for CoverColorado beginning January 1, 2009. For more information about CoverColorado click here. Signed by Governor (5/27/08)  S.B. 160 Increases the Medicaid eligibility level of the federal poverty line for youth aged 6 to 19 years of age to 113 percent as of July 1, 2009. Also increases the percentage level for the Children's Basic Health Plan from 205 percent to 225 percent as of July 1, 2008. Signed by Governor (6/03/08) H.B. 1341 Would implement a 2 percent tax inrease on the sale of alcoholic beverages to supplement funding for the Children's Basic Health Plan. Postponed indefinitely (4/2/08)
DE	S.B. 177 Would provide all current and future Delaware citizens and with our economy a non-government run program and cost effective single payer health care system. Senate Finance Committee (1/8/08)
HI	H.B. 759  (S.B. 1061) Would establish an agency to operate a single-payer universal health care system Referred to Committee (3/23/07)-carry-over H.B. 56 Would establish the Hawaii Health Commission to develop a plan for health care for all individuals in the State. Referred to House Committee on Health, Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, and the House Committee on Finance (3/23/07)-carry-over S.B. 2101 Would establish the state health authority to propose a plan to provide medical assistance for all citizens of Hawaii; relates to state health authority. Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing Committee (2/4/08) H.B. 1598  Would establish an agency to operate a single-payer universal healthcare insurance system. House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee (2/8/08)
IA	H.B. 2539 Relates to health care reform including coverage for children and adults, health information technology, long-term living planning and patient autonomy in health care, preexisting condition and dependent children coverage, medical homes, prevention and chronic care management, disease prevention and wellness iniatives, health care transparency, health care access, and the direct care workforce. Signed by Governor (5/13/08) S.B. 2390 (Formerly S.B. 3140) Relates to health care reform including the Iowa choice health care coverage program, continuation of dependent health care coverage, medical homes, prevention and chronic care management, the Iowa health information technology system, long-term living and patient autonomy, health care quality, consumer information, cost-containment and health care access, and health care transparency. Referred to Human Resources (4/2/08)
IL	S.B.  5 Would create the Illinois Health Care For All Act. Senate Floor Amendment No. 5 Re-referred to Rules (12/3/07) For information on Illinois Covered, click here H.B. 311  Would create the Health Care for All Illinois Act. Provides that all individuals residing in this State are covered under the Illinois Health Services Program for health insurance. Provides the specific health coverage benefits that participants are entitled to under the Program. Sets forth the requirements for the qualifications of participating health providers. House Ammendment No. 2 Re-referred to Rules Committee (5/31/08)
KS	H.B. 2591 Would create the Kansas Medicaid reform act of 2007. The Kansas health policy authority shall request the federal centers for Medicare and Medicaid to appoint a special representative to work with the health policy authority to expedite, coordinate and implement the changes to the medicaid program in Kansas and to request additional funds. Referred to appropriations (3/22/07), No Action- carry-over S.B. 540 Would establishes a voluntary health insurance clearinghouse; authorizes policies for young adults; defines very small employers; enacts the Kansas Small Business Health Policy Committee Act. Re-referred to Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (2/29/08) S.B. 541 Concerns the Kansas Health Policy Authority; relates to powers and duties thereof regarding a medical home, and small business wellness grant program; establishes the health reform fund. Died in House Committee (5/29/08)
MD	H.B. 1125 Would establish the Maryland Universal Health Care Plan; specifies the purposes of the Plan; establishes the State Board of Governors of the Maryland Universal Health Care Plan; specifies the membership of the Board of Governors, and their terms, duties, and powers; authorizes the Governors to adopt specified regulations.  House Health and Government Operations Committee (2/07/08)
MN	Senate Bill 2324 Would establish the Minnesota Health Plan to provide a single-payer insurance system with no deductibles or co-pays and premiums based on ability to pay. The plan would be administered by a Legislature-created board which would collect premiums and pay bills. It would cover all necessary care including mental health and medical equipment. Re-referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee (2/20/08) - carry over S.B. 3780 This legislation is designed to act as a comprehensive health care package. It establishes a statewide health improvement plan targeting obesity and tobacco use, increases eligibility for MinnesotaCare for childless adults to 250 percent FPL, reduces sliding scale premiums, requires employers with eleven or more full-time employees who do no already offer health insurance to establish a Section 125 Plan, promotes the use of health care homes, seeks to increase transparency and quality through an incentive-based payment system, and implements an interoperable electronic helath records system. Signed by Governor (5/29/08) S.B. 14- Would create a Constitutional Amendment, which would provided for a universal health system that provides affordable access to medical care for all residents. Referred to Rule and Administration Committees (5/21/07) - carry-over S.B. 383- Would establish a working group to design a universal health care system.  Referred to Health, Housing and Family Security (1/29/07)- carry-over S.B. 460- Would establish the Minnesota Universal Health Board and health care trust fund. Referred to Health, Housing and Family Security (2/1/07) - carry-over S.B. 1963 (Companion MedicaidH.B. 1873)- Would establish a health care transformation task force; modifying goals for universal coverage. - Referred to Health, Housing and Family Security - carry-over H.B. 479 (Companion S.B. 102)- Would provide for a universal health care system that provides affordable access to high quality medical care.  Requires a focus on preventive care and early interventions.  Referred by Chair to Health Care and Human Services Finance Division (3/27/07) - carry-over H.B. 1856 - Would establish universal health coverage, health care access portal established, dependent coverage extended, tax credits provided, prevention programs established, and money appropriated.  Referred to Health and Human Services (3/8/07) - carry-over
MO	H.B. 1558 Would establish the Missouri Universal Health Insurance Act to provide comprehensive health care services for Missouri residents. Referred to Special Committee on Health Insurance (4/10/08) S.B. 1101  This act would establish the Missouri Universal Health Assurance Program. The program is a publicly financed, statewide program that will provide comprehensive health care services for Missouri residents. The Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services is required to divide the population of the state into six regional health planning and policy development districts. An advisory council of 9 members will be established for each district. The advisory councils will assist the board of governors of the program in creating an annual comprehensive state health care plan as well as developing a transportation plan for indigent, elderly, and disabled clients. Bill Placed on Informal Calendar (4/22/08)
NJ	S.B. 1557 This bill intends to provide universal health care coverage through the implementation of a series of measures beginning with the expansion of NJ FamilyCare to include low-income families up to 200 percent FPL and a requirement that all children under 19 have insurance coverage by 2009. Other phases will include individual and small employer health insurance reforms to increase affordability and the extension of dependent coverage to the age of 31. The legislation is aimed to provide all New Jersey residents with coverage by 2011. Signed by Governor (7/7/08) H.B. 2767 Would create the New Jersey Health Care Choice Act permitting New Jersey residents to purchase insurance from insurers in other states who are approved to sell policies across state lines.  Referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee (5/22/08)
NM	H.B. 205 (S.B. 228) - Would create the Health Insurance Exchange to improve access to health insurance. The exchange would act as a nonprofit corporation, separate from the state. Would require employers to disclose insurance coverage status of employees and employee dependents including the employee's election to (1) post a bond or establish an account in accordance with Section 16 of the Health Insurance Exchange Act; (2) apply or not apply for coverage through the exchange; (3) be considered or not for any publicly financed helath insurance program administered by the State. Died H.B. 62 Championed by Governor Bill Richardson, the Health Solutions New Mexico Act would include phased-in coverage participations by first improving options and public programs such that universal participation is possible. It would create the Health Coverage Authority, provide contributions to the Health New Mexico Work Force Fund, require New Mexico residents to show proof of health coverage and mandate that employers contribute to the Work Force Fund. Died H.B. 214 (S.B. 3) Would enact the Health Security Act to provide for comprehensive statewide health care including planning, cost containment strategies, formation of a comission and provisions for its powers and duties. Died H.B. 147 Relates to health care reform; enacts the Health Care Authority Act; creates the Health Care Authority; provides for powers and duties; repeals and enacts sections of the NMSA 1978; makes an appropriation.  Died H.B. 588 Relates to health care reform; enacts the access to quality universal health insurance act; amends and enacts certain sections of the New Mexico insurance code; provides for universal health insurance coverage for New Mexicans; mandates guaranteed issue and renewability of insurance coverage; requires New Mexico residents with household incomes above four hundred percent of the federal poverty level to show proof of health coverage. Died S.B. 225  Relates to health care reform; enacts the health care authority act; creates the health care authority; provides for powers and duties; makes an appropriation. Died S.B. 377  Would enact the Access to Quality Universal Health Insurance Act; concerns the Insurance Code; provides for universal health insurance coverage for State residents; mandates guaranteed issue and renewability of insurance coverage; requires residents with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level to show proof of health coverage; provides premium assistance. Died
NC	H.B. 901 An act to amend the North Carolina constitution to recognize the right to health care. Referred to Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (3/20/07) carry-over
NY	A.B. 7354 Would enact the New York State Health Plan, a comprehensive system of access to health insurance for New York state residents: provides for administrative structure of the plan, including its status as a public benefit corporation; provides for powers and duties of the governing board, the scope of benefits, payment mechanisms and cost controls; establishes the New York Health Trust Fund which would hold monies from a variety of sources. Ways and Means (5/13/08)
PA	H.B. 700 Would establish the Governor's Prescription for Pennsylvania universal health care plan to provide access to health insurance coverage for all Pennsylvania residents. For more information on Rx for PA, click here. Referred to Insurance (3/22/07) Shortly after its introduction, the PA General Assembly decided to pull out parts of H.B. 700 to be considered as stand-alone legislation. For status of pending and enacted legislation click here. SB 1137 Would establish the Pennsylvania Access to Basic Care plan to provide affordable health insurance to wait-listed individuals who qualify for adultBasic, Pennsylvania's current low-income coverage plan, administer $42 million in grants to small business employers already providing employee health care, lower health care costs and continue to aid physicians in paying their medical malpractice premiums. Re-referred to Banking and Insurance (6/10/08) S.B. 5 A major component of the proposed HealthNet PA reform plan, this bill would provide $45 million in grants to community-based health care clinics serving as medical homes for the uninsured as well as tax credits to businesses who support these clinics. Referred to Public Health and Welfare (6/24/08) HealthNet PA consists of a comprehensive package of reform bills aimed at restructuring the health care system. The plan is expected to cost $100 million and cover an additional 507,000 currently uninsured residents through use of the existing health care clinics, expansion of information technology efforts such as electronic medical records, and increases in insurance options for employers and families. For complete descriptions of the bills in the package, click here.
OH	H.B. 456 Would create the I-Ohio Reinsurance Program, a nonprofit entity that is funded through assessments on participating insurers. H.B. 186 (S.B. 168) Would establish and operate the Ohio Health Care Plan to provide universal health care coverage to all Ohio residents.
OR	S.B. 329 Creates the Healthy Oregon Act, which provides a timeline for developing a full-scale reform plan for Oregon. It creates the Oregon Health Fund Board to propose a comprehensive reform plan for submittal in the 2009 legislative session. Signed by Governor (6/28/07)
RI	S.B. 2220 Would provide health insurance coverage to U.S. permanent resident children and parents. This act would also provide benefits to children ineligible for federal medical assistance due to citizenship or alienage requirements.  House Committee on Finance (2/06/08)
WI	S.B. 562 Proposes the Healthy Wisconsin Plan which would provide universal coverage through a single-payer, government-run system. The plan would cover all medically necessary care, prescription drugs, preventive care, wellness programs, alcohol and chemical dependency programs and mental health parity. It would require all employers to pay 9-12% of their employees wages in place of premiums for private health insurance for their employees. For more information visit the Healthy Wisconsin website. Failed in Committee (3/21/08)