Transcript Highlights:

• This plan finds coverage for those employers who are required to have workers' compensation coverage
• but cannot find that coverage on their own or through an agent.
• The plan guarantees that these employers will have coverage. On their own or through an agent.
• The plan guarantees that these employers will have coverage.
• The act requires states to provide certain coverage for eligible incarcerated youth.

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and related reports. The chair announced that several items were stricken from the agenda and that the maternal health providers and remote monitoring rules were pulled by the agency. The committee filed reports on emergency rules, ALC subcommittee rule reviews, and administrative directives, then moved through agency rules from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce/Insurance, Department of Corrections, and multiple divisions of the Department of Human Services. Most rules were explained as technical updates or implementations of 2025 legislation and were approved without objection. Examples included repeal of obsolete equine ID-chip rules, updates to agriculture financing and pesticide rules, removal of duplicative workers’ compensation plan language, a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities, DHS marketing rules for PASS programs, a comprehensive DCFS policy manual revision, Medicaid-related changes for fictive kin, ABLE accounts, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, SNAP work requirements and alien eligibility, coverage for certain incarcerated youth, nurse aide training updates, and permanent rules for state employee insurance and procurement. The committee also approved requests to exclude the Insurance Department from rulemaking requirements for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting and for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would issue rules later when more guidance is available. The most extended discussion concerned DHS’s dental Medicaid rate rule under Act 1025. Members and witnesses debated whether the statute’s language covered only oral surgeons or also general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, and whether the rate increase should apply more broadly to the services rather than the provider title. DHS said it was following the black-letter language of the law and could not confirm a broader interpretation without further approvals and funding, while legislators and a Dental Association representative said the intent was to increase payment for the services, especially in rural areas. Members also discussed the possibility of fixing the language in a future session or through a new rule if approvals and CMS review allow. Despite the concerns, the committee approved the rule. The meeting ended with approval of rule review reports and monthly updates, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2027, work requirements, limits on retroactive coverage, and verifications will take effect.
• have that coverage.
• It is the place they go to purchase coverage.
• We are also seeing more people actively drop coverage.
• So it gives them a couple of extra weeks in the new year to make those coverage decisions.

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state standards, did not consistently require proof of those inspections, did not review adverse health event corrective plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. JLARC also raised a possible language-access barrier in the complaint system. Members asked about complaint filing by staff, the meaning of adverse health events, inspection outcomes, and whether the audit compared DOH to other agencies. JLARC said it had not reviewed inspection results or cross-agency comparisons, but noted inspectors were dedicated and working long hours. DOH later said it concurred with the recommendations and outlined a strategic plan with target dates for improving timeliness, verifying accreditation standards, expanding language access, reviewing adverse event laws, and improving public data access, with annual reporting to the Legislature expected. The committee then heard a Department of Health presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current certificate of need process, which reviews need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility changes and new services, and said the program has not been modernized since the 1980s. DOH proposed 10 statutory modernization recommendations, including clarifying the program’s purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, updating access-to-care standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, strengthening long-term funding, and using better data systems. Members asked about oversight of freestanding urgent care and EDs, funding sources, and whether the process could be streamlined or made more responsive to complaints or other triggers. A third panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care. Lucy O’Rourke of the Coalition for Health AI described CHAI’s work on responsible AI principles, technical standards, model cards or “nutrition labels,” testing and governance tools, and educational resources for providers. She said the group is focused on trust, transparency, fairness, safety, security, and privacy, and noted Washington’s AI-related policy work as among the more progressive in the country. No questions were asked. The final portion focused on the financial impact of federal and state health care policy changes. The Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals are facing low or negative operating margins, service reductions, layoffs, and closures, and that state cuts and taxes enacted in 2025, combined with federal HR1 changes, will significantly worsen finances. Providence Swedish leaders described staffing reductions, service cuts, delayed capital investments, and pressure from denials, tariffs, and reimbursement changes, while emphasizing that frontline staffing cuts are tied to service reductions rather than nurse-to-patient ratio changes. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange then began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits, state Cascade Care Savings assistance, and eligibility changes affecting lawfully present non-citizens, with examples showing large premium increases for customers if federal subsidies expire.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 632 updates Florida law governing insurance coverage for transportation network companies
• Senate Bill 632 updates Florida law governing insurance coverage for transportation network companies
• Coverage may be provided by the driver or vehicle owner of the TNC combination.
• Coverage may be provided by the driver or vehicle owner of the TNC combination.
• There's no need to change it and decrease the coverage when this is one of the most dangerous times for

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee took up several bills, beginning with CS/SB 326, which modernizes Florida’s curator statute in probate law by clarifying when curators may be appointed, what they may do, and the oversight required. The bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee then heard SB 1256 on pharmacy audits, which would require PBM audits of pharmacies to follow uniform standards and provide due process protections; pharmacists testified in support, describing current audits as burdensome and conflicted. That bill was also reported favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services. An amendment was adopted removing provisions on civil damage caps and phasing out direct disposers, and the bill was then reported favorably. SB 632, dealing with transportation network company insurance, would set coverage requirements for the period after a ride is accepted but before pickup; an opponent argued the existing insurance framework should not be reduced, but the bill passed on a divided vote and was reported favorably. CS/SB 786 on trusts, creating a nonjudicial process to close uncontested trusts and discharge trustees, was supported by banking and legal groups and reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid, health insurance, and HMO coverage for orthotics and prosthetics. A delete-all amendment clarified eligible recipients, and the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from amputees, parents, and advocates describing the high cost of activity limbs and the benefits for children’s health and participation. Several senators praised the testimony and the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1588 on legal tender refined last session’s gold-and-silver law, and SPB 7044 created related public-records exemptions for custodians of gold and silver; both were reported favorably, with SPB 7044 adopted as a committee bill. The meeting ended with senators recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh coverage any anymore. uh coverage any anymore.
• in statute mandated insurance coverage in statute mandated insurance coverage under<01:28:36.800
• patients had coverage. patients had coverage.
• naturopathic coverage?" naturopathic coverage?"
• coverage and reimbursement rates. coverage and reimbursement rates.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have what you think is adequate coverage have what you think is adequate coverage for<00:19:18.320
• This coverage to the state workforce at the employer's expense.
• to purchase and the individual coverage pool.
• They also have to provide that coverage as well.
• don't have coverage individuals who don't have coverage through<01:23:59.639> their<01:23:59.800

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt on the New Hampshire Insurance Department budget. He said the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers based on New Hampshire premium volume, with about $8 billion in premiums written in the state and a department budget of roughly $15.5 million. He explained that the department has 88 authorized positions, eight vacancies, and that three full-time positions were unfunded after the governor’s requested 4% reduction exercise. He also said the department is trying to balance staffing needs with not overburdening carriers during a hard insurance market. A major topic was the department’s $2.6 million rebate to industry from the prior fiscal year, which Bettencourt described as a credit against the next assessment rather than a direct cash payment. Members questioned why that credit was not reflected as a reduction in the upcoming budget, and Bettencourt and staff explained that the budget assumes full staffing and full spending, with any year-end surplus returned to insurers. The commissioner said the department had added staff in recent years for succession planning and to preserve institutional expertise, and that the rebate reflects careful budgeting rather than excess spending. Members also asked about staffing changes by division, including positions unfunded in fraud, property and casualty examinations, life and health examinations, and tax. Bettencourt said fraud investigations remain strong and that the department can use outside contractors for examinations, with those costs billed to the company being examined. He also described the department’s examination process, including periodic financial exams and targeted market conduct reviews triggered by consumer complaints or trends. Additional questions covered OIT transfers, the department’s oversight of fully insured health coverage, the insurance premium tax and fines going to the general fund, and the department’s limited role in auto repair reimbursement disputes, where he said complaints have recently declined.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coverage of that, Mr.
• <01:30:27.360> are And now even those with coverage are And now even those with coverage are
• enhance private insurance coverage enhance private insurance coverage oversight,<01:32:01.840>
• if you have an issue with have coverage if you have an issue with your<01:35:50.400> coverage.
• determination for coverage of benefits. determination for coverage of benefits.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• eventual language for fertility coverage eventual language for fertility coverage in<00:26:11.120
• 26:24.559> provides having insurance coverage that provides having insurance coverage that provides
• to keep it at the three-month retroactive coverage.
• It's already um retro active coverage.
• And so I am putting forth this coverage.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:22.160> is<00:37:22.319> being coverage is being coverage is being confirmed<00:
• This bill does help to create efficiencies in Medicaid prescription coverage.
• additional Medicare coverage.
• There was a patient who had Medicaid coverage, also was under 26, so had coverage of a commercial plan
• also uh was under 26 so um had coverage also uh was under 26 so um had uh<00:40:32.800> coverage<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:03.400> they insurance and was declined coverage they insurance and was declined coverage
• <00:48:44.400> through get uh get uh insurance coverage through get uh get uh insurance coverage
• In transition from one job to another to provide coverage and care for those individuals.
• to be to be able to provide the coverage to be to be able to provide the coverage for<00:52:07.280
• have access to employer-sponsored coverage; it's where people get coverage when they start a new business

Bills: HF837, HF1903, HF499, HF794

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, newborn safety, anonymity, healthcare provider, safe place, child welfare, HF499, nursing, nurse licensure, temporary permit, temporary nursing permit, Board of Nursing, endorsement licensure, reregistration, refresher course, health occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, the federal government introduced a dairy margin coverage program.
• led to Minnesota dairy farmers becoming national leaders in enrolling in the federal dairy margin coverage
• introduced a dairy margin coverage introduced a dairy margin coverage program.<00:12:45.040>
• enrolling in the federal<00:13:22.680> dairy<00:13:23.040> margin<00:13:23.600> coverage
• <00:13:23.960> program, federal dairy margin coverage program, federal dairy margin coverage

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through routine orders of business, including receipt of House messages and first and second readings of several bills. House File 3615, a cannabis-related bill, was received and referred to Rules and Administration for comparison with Senate File 3670. Senate Files 3957, 4072, 3956, 239, and 3955 received second reading, and the introduction calendars were given first reading and referred as indicated. During motions and resolutions, the Senate approved several committee re-referrals: SF 4075 was moved from Transportation to State and Local Government; SF 4177, a bill related to the Secretary of State, was moved from Commerce and Consumer Protection to State and Local Government; SF 4262 was moved from Taxes to State and Local Government; and SF 4418 was moved from Health and Human Services to Human Services. The chamber also adopted committee reports and designated special orders. The main special order considered was SF 3832, which would modify eligibility for the dairy assistance investment relief initiative program to allow dairy producers established since 2022 to enroll. The author explained the bill would help new dairy producers access an existing program with no new fiscal impact, and Senator Dames spoke in support. The Senate then gave SF 3832 third reading and passed it by a vote of 66-0, with its title agreed to. The session concluded with announcements, including invitations to a Metro Parks pizza event and St. Louis County Days, a reminder about legislative auditor evaluation topic suggestions, and a brief St. Patrick’s Day reflection by Senator Murphy before the Senate adjourned until March 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I lose coverage. But is that coverage retroactive, or is it prospective?
• So I lose coverage.<00:35:56.560> But<00:35:57.040> that<00:35:57.359> coverage
• coverage.
• But that coverage coverage.
• insurers already provided the coverage insurers already provided the coverage and<00:42:09.920><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A waiver approval to provide access to health care and coverage for young people in facilities, launching
• In this presentation, we'll cover review for 26, mental health coverage and parity compliance, prior
• Okay, if you could please go to the next slide, 30 on to mental health coverage.
• Sure, compliance with federal parity and state coverage laws.
• And what coverage is, but the general question is that carriers need to provide coverage for, and that

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, how far from the reference line the structure can be, your lot coverage, you know, that
• , the structure can be, your lot coverage, the structure can be, your lot coverage, you<00:21:45.039
• So I think basis of flock coverage etc.
• They could add stricter lot coverage requirements or stricter setback requirements from the...
• > or<00:46:08.000> stricter lock coverage requirements or stricter lock coverage requirements

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce licenses insurers to sell in the state, either to sell commercial or homeowners coverage, but
• And that has resulted in more affordable coverage and availability of coverage. >> Yeah.
• <00:41:53.520> and resulted in more affordable coverage and resulted in more affordable coverage
• and availability<00:41:54.240> of<00:41:54.480> coverage.
• availability of coverage. availability of coverage.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting on the insurance affordability crisis affecting single-family housing, common interest communities, and multifamily rental housing. Members and staff introduced themselves, including representatives from insurers, the Department of Commerce, housing advocates, affordable housing developers, and HOA/community association interests. Representative Steve Elkins was elected chair by roll call vote with 10 members in favor, after discussion that the Senate appointee’s formal appointment had not yet arrived; the group noted the intent to later move to co-chair leadership once that appointment is finalized. Staff reviewed the task force’s enabling statute and open meeting law requirements. The task force is charged with studying homeowners and commercial property insurance, property resilience and risk mitigation, liability laws and possible tort reform, notice and oversight issues, public reporting, and the state-supported insurance program, including possible expansion to a catastrophic reinsurance fund or self-insured pool. The final report is due February 15 and will go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and employment and economic development, as well as relevant legislative committees. Members were also briefed on meeting logistics, a draft charter to be voted on at the second meeting, a resource page for shared materials, and the schedule of future meetings. The Department of Commerce then gave an overview of Minnesota’s property and casualty insurance market. Commerce described its regulatory role, the state’s competitiveness test, and how homeowners insurance is often filed under a “file and use” process rather than prior approval. The presentation emphasized that homeowners coverage has been under pressure for years: insurers have lost money in many recent years, premiums have risen, some consumers are taking on more risk through higher deductibles or reduced coverage, and some are moving into the surplus market. Commerce also highlighted the impact of severe weather losses, the growth in premiums since 2014, and gaps in oversight for homeowners associations and related policies. The meeting then shifted to brainstorming the problems the task force should address. Early discussion focused on climate and construction-related resilience, including hail and wind-driven rain damage, discontinued building materials, and whether stronger materials are reflected in insurance pricing. Members also raised the need to study programs like Alabama’s fortified roof model and Minnesota’s own Strengthen Minnesota Homes effort, along with questions about whether the construction industry is prepared to support broader resilience measures. No additional votes were taken during the discussion segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's exactly what House Bill 4144 addresses with the addition of post-retirement coverage to Chapter
• These benefits are provided through their existing workers' compensation coverage and pay for time off
• as well as medical coverage.
• Benefit coverage is, is extremely important because these diseases are the result of years of duty and
• The coverage stops upon separation of service, uh, and is not commensurate with the time of service,

Transcript Highlights:

• And what has CalHR done to maximize coverage options to active and retired workers living either in or
• program delivers comprehensive coverage through preferred provider organizations, also known as PPO,
• Our dental program offers out-of-state coverage, just like our health plans.
• We have approximately 450 individuals enrolled and using out-of-state coverage.
• MetLife will offer two plans moving forward that will have out-of-state coverage as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear status updates from the state auditor and consider several new audit requests. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, including a new 2026 audit on DMV license revocation, and noted other statutory audits on the State Bar exam rollout, CSU/UC Title IX implementation, tobacco tax, state financial statements, federal compliance, and high-risk issues such as late financial reporting, Medi-Cal eligibility, and water infrastructure safety. The committee approved a consent calendar covering audits on UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s request to audit SANDAG’s road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly used and documented, citing prior problems with tolling and financial oversight. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, has improved internal controls, and believed its funding uses were appropriate. Several members questioned whether the audit duplicated existing reviews and whether the issues were already public, and the request ultimately failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ administration of Proposition 47 grants. Supporters said the audit would assess whether grant recipients comply with requirements and whether outcome and recidivism data are reliable, while BSCC said the program already has oversight, including biennial State Controller audits, and pointed to reported reductions in homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism. The committee approved the audit. Senator Cortese’s request to audit CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract also passed, with supporters citing rising out-of-pocket costs, provider network problems, and the long-running contract’s lack of competition; CalHR responded that most members have nearby access, it recently ran an RFP, and it will add MetLife as a second carrier in 2027. The committee then approved the remaining consent items and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you think about the coverage that you provide, our choice is do we do it or do we not do it?
• And if we don't do it, then every state that touches us by far surpasses us in coverage and in health
• about the coverage that you provide,<00:12:51.360> uh<00:12:51.519> our<00:12:51.839><
• <00:13:03.760> Uh<00:13:04.160> as<00:13:04.399> rural Coverage and in health
• through 8 with the following coverage through 8 with the following coverage and<00:16:59.839>

Bills: SB9, HB400, SB9, HB400

Keywords: Alabama Athletic Commission, Attorney General, criminal penalties, unarmed combat, regulation, boxing, mixed martial arts, civil fines, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, smoking ban, vaping, public health, indoor air quality, clean air, ambulance services, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• At present, coverage for Medicaid recipients. It coverage for Medicaid recipients.
• <01:15:34.320> I Medicaid coverage. Um but thank you. I Medicaid coverage.
• I see because the coverage has ended.
• And by moving 20 coverage in the past.
• Today, I ask you to support coverage.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR HUNGRY FAMILIES AND THE GAINS TO GET MORE FAMILIES COVERAGE.
• , including Affordable Care Act coverage as well.
• , including Affordable Care Act coverage as well.
• , including Affordable Care Act coverage as well.
• TAX SCAM BANS THEM FROM GETTING COVERAGE THROUGH THE A.C.A. MARKETPLACE.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's how they lose their coverage. I'd be happy to see anything you have.
• that were at my agency that were disabled, that were qualified as disabled, that will lose their coverage
• I want to know who in that 3% is going to lose coverage because they're not exempt.
• in the last three months under this parameter, for whatever reason, you won't be able to have any coverage
• I guess my question is, so we know once this is implemented, people are going to lose their coverage,

Keywords: 959, house, all