Health Care Payments Data Program.
The bill imposes new requirements on health care providers and insurers, as it enforces compliance in submitting necessary health care data. Failure to comply becomes a violation of the existing Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act, categorizing willful non-submission as a crime. Moreover, the bill anticipates the establishment of reporting and analytical systems to generate public reports and insights that could drive significant health policy advancements in California.
Assembly Bill 2830, introduced by Assembly Member Wood, establishes the Health Care Payments Data Program in California, replacing the previously intended Health Care Cost Transparency Database. This program mandates the collection of health care data from various health service plans and insurers to improve data transparency in healthcare costs, quality, and equity. It aims to compile and analyze data to facilitate informed policy decisions and enhance public health outcomes, with a goal of implementing the system by July 1, 2023.
The sentiment towards AB 2830 appears generally positive, with an emphasis on enhancing public health through improved data transparency. However, there may be concerns regarding the compliance burden placed on local agencies and healthcare entities, particularly around the stringent requirements for submitting data and the potential legal implications for non-compliance. Stakeholders are encouraged to leverage collected data to innovate health care delivery, but the legislative finding regarding public access ultimately necessitates a balance between transparency and confidentiality.
The contention surrounding the bill likely revolves around the implications of mandated data sharing and the potential for strict penalties for non-compliance. While the intention is to create a robust database to decrease health disparities and reduce overall costs, there is concern regarding privacy and the administrative burden it places on smaller health entities. The requirement for data agreements and the emphasis on protecting personal information within the data collection framework are key points of discussion, reflecting the tension between necessary oversight and individual privacy.