Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HCR151

Introduced
5/5/10  
Refer
5/6/10  
Report Pass
6/8/10  

Caption

Directs Dept. of Insurance and Office of Group Benefits to study the feasibility of Federally Qualified Health Centers collectively providing group health insurance coverage to employees of those centers

Impact

If HCR151 is enacted, it could lead to improved healthcare services by ensuring that FQHCs can retain a stable workforce. Many healthcare professionals currently bear a heavier financial burden when it comes to their health insurance premiums compared to their counterparts in other sectors. By facilitating access to more affordable group health insurance, the resolution could potentially enhance job retention and improve the quality of care provided to vulnerable populations. The study's outcomes may also influence policy decisions regarding funding and support for FQHCs.

Summary

HCR151 is a House Concurrent Resolution that directs the Department of Insurance and the Office of Group Benefits in Louisiana to study the feasibility of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) collectively providing group health insurance coverage to their employees. FQHCs serve vital healthcare needs in underserved communities, yet their ability to offer competitive health benefits is hindered by structural limitations, primarily the inability to join forces for insurance underwriting. By exploring group coverage options, HCR151 aims to address a significant gap in benefits for healthcare professionals working in these centers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HCR151 appears to be supportive, particularly among stakeholders and advocates of community health services. Supporters argue that collective insurance coverage is crucial for FQHCs to maintain their workforce, which is essential for serving medically underserved populations. However, there remains a degree of uncertainty as the resolution is still in the study phase, and its ultimate impact will depend on the findings and subsequent legislative actions.

Contention

While HCR151 aims to support a noble cause, there are potential points of contention that could arise from the study's findings. One concern may relate to the varying operational capacities and funding structures of different FQHCs, which could lead to disparities in how collective insurance models are implemented. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed solution will depend on the political landscape and whether there will be sufficient support to translate study results into actionable policies that enhance health coverage for FQHC employees.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB1375

Health insurance: small employer groups.

LA HB1371

AN ACT to provide for a legislative management study relating to providing uniform group insurance program health insurance benefits coverage for retired peace officers.

LA AB1113

Federally qualified health centers: mission spend ratio.

LA HB180

Provides relative to the amount of life insurance coverage available to state employees through the Office of Group Benefits

LA HCSR6

Requests a study of the feasibility of La. Children and Youth Health Insurance Program providing for reimbursement of health care services delivered at schools

LA SB718

Health care coverage: small employer groups.

LA HB1176

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

LA HB1766

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

LA HR169

Authorizes and directs the Office of Group Benefits to study the interpretation that results in retired employees of school systems who are subsequently elected to their local school boards having to pay substantial increases in their group health insurance premiums and to report to the La. House of Representatives by Nov. 1, 2012

LA HB1362

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.