The original instrument was prepared by Martha Hess. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Linda
Nugent.
DIGEST
SB 443 Reengrossed 2016 Regular Session Hewitt
Present law provides the duties of the Health and Social Services Estimating Conference to be
developing official information relating to the health and social service system of the state, including
forecasts of social and health service caseloads, as the conference determines is needed for the state
planning and budgeting system.
Present law provides for the principals of the Conference as:
(1)A member of the professional staff of the office of the governor to be appointed by the
governor.
(2)A member of the professional staff of the division of administration to be appointed by the
commissioner of administration.
(3)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise to be
appointed by the president of the Senate.
(4)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise to be
appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
(5)A member of the professional staff of the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) who
shall have forecasting expertise to be appointed by the secretary of DHH.
(6)A member of the professional staff of the Department of Children and Family Services
(DCFS) who shall have forecasting expertise to be appointed by the secretary of DCFS.
Proposed law retains present law and adds as principals to the conference:
(1)The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, or his designee.
(2)The chairman of the House Committee on Health and Welfare, or his designee.
(3) The chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, or his designee.
(4) The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, or his designee.
(5)The secretary of DHH, or his designee. (6)The secretary of DCFS, or his designee.
(7)The legislative fiscal officer, or his designee who shall have health care experience.
(8)A faculty member specializing in health care economics from a public or private university
in the state, selected by the other principal members from a list submitted by the Board of
Regents.
Present law provides that the principal representing the office of the governor shall preside over
sessions of the conference. Proposed law provides for the chairmanship to rotate annually among
the four legislative committee chairmen serving as principals.
Proposed law provides for a Medicaid Subcommittee of the conference responsible for developing
forecasts and reviewing information related to the Medicaid Program, including the number of
Medicaid enrollees, eligibility criteria, rate of utilization and growth in the cost of services, provider
reimbursement methodologies, and the factors used in developing the per-member-per-month
premiums paid to the Medicaid managed care companies.
Proposed law provides for the membership of the Medicaid Subcommittee as follows:
(1)A member of the professional staff of the division of administration to be appointed by the
commissioner of administration.
(2)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise to be
appointed by the president of the Senate.
(3)A member of the professional staff of the legislature who shall have fiscal expertise to be
appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.
(4)A member of the professional staff of DHH who shall have forecasting expertise to be
appointed by the secretary of DHH.
(5)The legislative fiscal officer, or his designee who shall have health care experience.
(6)The faculty member specializing in health care economics selected by members of the
conference.
Proposed law provides that the chairmanship of the subcommittee shall rotate biennially among the
professional legislative staff appointed by the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House
of Representatives.
Proposed law provides that the subcommittee shall meet as follows:
(1)In September, to establish an initial forecast for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be utilized
by the Department of Health and Hospitals in formulating its budget request. (2)In December, to revise the forecast for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be utilized in the
preparation of the executive budget recommendations by the state budget office.
(3) In April, to revise the forecast for the ensuing fiscal year which shall be utilized by the
legislature in its adoption of a state budget for the ensuing fiscal year.
(4)In July, to discuss the forecast for the current fiscal year as compared to the current year
appropriation.
Proposed law authorizes the subcommittee to review any aspects of the Medicaid program as
provided for in proposed law. Further authorizes any principal of the conference to request that the
subcommittee meet to discuss a specific issue. Requires the subcommittee to submit a summary
report to the conference of topics discussed and any actions taken.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Amends R.S. 39:21.3(E)(2) and (3); adds R.S. 39:21.3(E)(4))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Provides for two additional principals of the conference.
2. Establishes a Medicaid Subcommittee and provides for its responsibilities and its
membership.
3. Adds a July meeting date and its purpose for the subcommittee.
4. Provides for chairmanship of the conference and the subcommittee.
5. Removes effectiveness of proposed law upon signature of the governor (emergency
clause).