NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Health Policy Commission

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HAFC Amendment

The House Appropriations and Finance Committee amendment deleted the entire House Business and Industry Committee amendment and inserted the following language: " services provided in a hospital or outpatient setting by a licensed medical doctor, osteopathic physician, dentist, optometrist or expanded practice nurse that are necessary for such conditions that endanger the life of or threaten permanent disability to an indigent patient;".

Synopsis of HBIC Amendment

The House Business and Industry Committee amendment to House Bill 270 changes the proposed phrase of "any health care professional or facility appropriately licensed by the state that...." To now mean "physician, osteopathic physician, expanded practice nurse, optometrist or dental surgeon".

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 270 changes certain definitions and reporting requirements in the indigent hospital and county health care act as follows:

- Changes the reporting on county indigent funds by the counties from the Department of Finance and Administration to the Health Policy Commission.

- Changes the reporting date from July 31, to October 1.

- Changes reporting of county indigent funds only to reporting of all funding spent by the counties for indigent care.

- Expands the definition of health care provider to include any health care provider or facility licensed by the state that, in the judgement of the board, provides medically indicated services.

- Changes the number of days allowed for payment of claims from 60 days to 30 days after approval of a claim by the county board.

Significant Issues

House Bill 270 expands the types of health care providers allowable for counties to consider for reimbursement of claims for service for indigent patients.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

It is not known at this time if this bill will have the effect of decreasing the amount of money that is set aside for the County Supported Medicaid Fund. (Note: clarification received from the Health Policy Commission reports that this bill cannot decrease the amount that is "set aside" for the County Supported Medicaid Fund. MJB 2/22/99)

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The expansion of the number of health care providers that may be considered by the counties may have the effect of decreasing the amount of money available by increasing the number of providers who may access the fund.

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