1) HB4202 (adding to the number of outpatient visits covered by the parity law) emerged from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today on a straight party line vote. It was great to hear Senator Garrett read all the witness slips from all of you in support of the bill. Two representatives of insurance companies put in slips in opposition but did not bother to testify. DHS supported the bill! Chairperson Ronen stood in for President Jones as sponsor and was forceful in her endorsement of the bill.
It is now important to call your Senator and urge her or him to vote for this bill when it come up for a vote on the Senate floor.
2) HB4125 (adding health maintenance organizations to the parity law) emerged from the Senate Insurance Committee yesterday but only on the promise that it would be held on 2nd reading to negotiate with the opponents.
It remains important to communicate to your Senator and to Senator Garrett (the sponsor) your support for this bill.