SEN. WEBBER SEEKS TO ENSURE HEALTH CARE IS AFFORDABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

The following information was released by the Michigan State Senate Republicans:

Senate Health Policy Committee Minority Vice Chair Michael Webber on Tuesday introduced legislation to establish a task force to ensure health care is affordable in Michigan by studying the impact of proposed state health insurance mandates that exceed the federal Affordable Care Act's essential health benefits.

"Anytime the state debates extra health care requirements beyond the federal scope, we have a duty to balance those discussions with an eye on the overall costs, so that those who need care can afford it," said Webber, R-Rochester Hills.

"Health insurance providers face continuous pressure to reduce health care premiums. More consideration of the impacts of state mandates is necessary to ensure health insurance is affordable for Michigan families."

The bill would create the Insurance Coverage and Affordability Task Force within the Legislative Council to review:

The social and financial impacts of mandating a proposed health benefit.

The medical efficacy of mandating a health insurance benefit, including recommendations from clinical studies or major peer-reviewed medical journals.

The effects of balancing the social, economic and medical efficacy considerations, including the extent to which the need for coverage outweighs the costs of mandating a health insurance benefit.

"Health insurance premiums are a direct reflection of the costs of providers, facilities and drugs," Webber said. "The Insurance Coverage and Affordability Task Force would provide invaluable oversight to reduce unnecessary costs to individuals and employers, resulting in cost savings in Michigan's health care marketplace."

The task force would also be responsible for evaluating existing health insurance mandates.

Under the proposal, the review board would include the directors of the Department of Insurance and Financial Services and Department of Health and Human Services, along with one sitting legislator appointed by each quadrant leader in the House and Senate and industry representatives appointed by the Legislative Council.