Requests the Department of Insurance to study and make recommendations with respect to the health insurance crisis.
Impact
If acted upon, SCR64 could lead to significant changes in how health insurance is regulated and made available in Louisiana. By directing the Department of Insurance to explore these issues, the resolution seeks to address critical barriers to healthcare access and affordability. This may result in recommendations that could reshape the landscape of health insurance provision, influencing both public and private sector policies related to healthcare coverage. The emphasis on addressing pre-existing conditions and promoting policy stability aligns with national discussions on healthcare reform, potentially benefiting a large segment of the population.
Summary
SCR64 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the Department of Insurance in Louisiana to study the healthcare insurance crisis and make recommendations regarding potential solutions. The resolution highlights the significant rise in health insurance premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses for consumers, which have been exacerbated by economic conditions and high unemployment rates. It outlines specific areas for study, including the feasibility of selling health insurance across state lines and implementing protections against policy cancellations due to illness and denials based on pre-existing conditions.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR64 appears to be supportive from various quarters, particularly among those advocating for increased healthcare access and affordability. Legislators seem to recognize the pressing need to address the healthcare insurance crisis, which has drawn attention from both constituents and advocacy groups. By requesting a comprehensive study, the resolution underscores a collaborative approach to problem-solving, aiming to identify actionable solutions to pressing healthcare challenges—reflective of a broader desire for reform in the state's healthcare system.
Contention
While SCR64 serves as a call for study and recommendation rather than immediate legislative change, the areas it proposes to investigate could spark debate among stakeholders. For instance, the suggestion of selling health insurance across state lines may face pushback from those concerned about the regulatory implications for state oversight and consumer protections. Additionally, while many may support prohibiting cancellations due to illness and addressing pre-existing conditions, discussions on how these changes would impact insurance market dynamics and provider availability are likely to arise, highlighting the complexities involved in navigating healthcare reforms.
Requests the Department of Insurance to study and make recommendations with respect to eliminating the state requirement for motor vehicle insurance and the approaches taken by other states with minimal or noncompulsory requirements
Requests the Department of Insurance to establish a task force to make recommendations for proposed legislation to address the issue of balance billing in Louisiana
Requests the Department of Insurance to establish a task force to make recommendations for proposed legislation to address the issue of balance billing in Louisiana
Requests the Department of Insurance to study and issue a report relative to the impact of health insurance coverage mandates on the cost of health insurance
Urges and requests the Department of Insurance to study and make recommendations regarding the effect of excluding advertising expenses in setting automobile insurance rates
Requests members of the legislature to host an Obesity Awareness Walk within their respective districts and designates April 13, 2010, as "Obesity Awareness Day."