Transcript Highlights:

• My partners and I fight to keep some of these veterans alive, under roofs, and out of jail, as many benefits
• My partners and I fight to keep some of these veterans alive, under roofs, and out of jail, as many benefits
• organizations that receive government benefits and what the administrative costs of running those organizations
• of explaining the community benefits and who they're working with.
• </c><00:47:44.240><c> and</c> of explaining the community benefits and of explaining the community benefits

Bills: HF169, HF195, HF194, HF1756, HF2133

Keywords: HF169, Minnesota insurance, health plan, summary of benefits and coverage, SBC, patient assistance program, deductible, health insurer, consumer disclosure, out-of-pocket costs, medical assistance funds, copay assistance, health coverage transparency, chapter 62Q, enrollee, HF195, Fairmont, street reconstruction, bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• and I know a lot of a lot of my and I know a lot of a lot of my constituents<00:20:16.160><c> also</c
• of the state. talked about cost of frail and I think a talked about cost of frail and I think a lot<
• 00:41:02.079><c> those</c> Um and then we sort of put all of those Um and then we sort of put all of
• if you have any. the low the lowest of the the floor and the low the lowest of the the floor and and
• </c> the uh amount of benefits. the uh amount of benefits.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23 Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32 How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40 Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18 Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22 Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46 Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47 Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects. The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers. The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But after 25 years of underfunding by the state of Minnesota, our wages and benefits have not kept up
• But after 25 years of underfunding by the state of Minnesota, our wages and benefits have not kept up
• insurance that is higher, and they'll see the value of their benefits go down.
• Some have lower, and they'll see the value of their benefits go up.
• of resources and amounts simply because of resources and amounts of<01:25:18.400><c> money.

Bills: HF3422, HF3461, HF2904

Keywords: state grants, grant oversight, grants management, executive agencies, Minnesota Department of Administration, commissioner of administration, fraud prevention, waste prevention, grant monitoring, financial reconciliation, grant compliance, state government, public funds, grant recipients, competitive grants, grant administration, administrative oversight, monitoring visits, grant policy, legislative leave

Transcript Highlights:

• And it makes clear that it applies to an out-of-state health benefit plan provided to residents. of Texas
• and the out-of-state transactions.
• And I think maybe for any of y'all.
• You're talking about government and the fees of where that money would come from, and I kind of echo
• people receiving Medicaid that nothing's free, and that if they do have the benefit of being Aladi recipient

Bills: SB502, SB513, SB622, SB670, SB731, SB732, SB916, SB961, SB1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Chief of EMS for Lavaca and Colorado County.
• for EMS, and then seeing the repercussions for the city of what happens when you don't have coverage
• We got a fiscal note for what it would cost to apply to your own coverage and the coverage of state employees
• We did a Basley survey in August, and some of this comes from that, and some of it's just Texas stats
• Carl Isett, I-S-E-T-T, for the Texas Association of Benefit Administrators and myself. Thank you.

Bills: SB502, SB513, SB622, SB670, SB731, SB732, SB916, SB961, SB1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• What it would cost to apply to your own coverage and the coverage of state employees through ERS and
• And really restricts innovation and benefit design.
• And can I say that the National Association of Manufacturers and 72 of the Fortune 100 companies have
• of competitive benefit.
• Carl Isett, I S E T T for the Texas Association of Benefit Administrators and myself. Thank you.

Bills: SB 502, SB 513, SB 622, SB 670, SB 731, SB 732, SB 916, SB 961, SB 1122

Keywords: SB 502, Texas peace officers, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC Office of Inspector General, OIG investigators, law enforcement classification, Schedule C, state employee benefits, injury benefits, peace officer status, commissioned officers, state auditor classification, Government Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, human services, health and human services, law enforcement compensation, public employee benefits, Texas state law enforcement, child welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• so our team has reviewed a subset of those tests and has recommended a subset for coverage.
• Thirty-four other states have some form of mandated coverage, as well as Texas Medicaid and TRICARE.
• And so I think you kind of touched on the...
• Kids and teens of all ages can benefit from this therapy, and we really want to make this easier for
• The idea of being fully aware or licensed and the ability to interpret policy coverages or apply them

Bills: HB813, HB1680, HB3569, HB4074, HB4635, HB5178, SB527, SB1307, SB1822

Keywords: autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education, admin penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• of time and in the interest of interest of time and in the interest of really<00:03:45.040><c> pushing
• ><c> kind</c><00:12:48.639><c> of</c> bit of look and it depends what kind of bit of look and it depends
• /c> Minnesota State Mano and and of Minnesota State Mano and and of Minnesota<00:14:43.360><c> State.
• </c> premium of those benefits. premium of those benefits.
• </c> budgeting and its benefits processes. budgeting and its benefits processes.

Bills: HF4479, HF4368, HF4889

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State

Transcript Highlights:

• And 71 percent of employers identified as the most essential benefit, and they also identified as the
• of Benefit Administration and SELF. against the bill, is that correct?
• Texas Association of Benefit Administrators and yourself, and you are registered. for the bill, is that
• it, and I know some of you have worked on that, but the Association of Benefit Administrators is...
• And having a better sense of the price of service would be a huge benefit. benefit to the businesses

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• as state benefit reform for millions of enrollees is something that would benefit from insight over
• of its forms on its state benefit plans and have that plan ready to go when session comes instead of
• do, Texas mandate benefits cost and utilization summary report?
• And I would imagine, you know, utilization and the cost of those benefits drive. premium cost so.
• A coordination of benefit.

Bills: HB138, HB335, HB388, HB138

Keywords: health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, education, funding, classroom resources, teacher support, student outcomes, health benefits, provider dentists, payment reimbursement, insurance code, noncontracting, dental care, reimbursement, health benefit plans, noncontracting providers

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, and I'm
• benefited us in any kind of way?
• coverage of patients, and such errors have resulted in patients in Texas receiving a surprise bill.
• That means being told all treatment options, the risks and benefits of all treatment options, and whether
• And COVID was killing people. It killed a lot of my constituents and a lot of my patients.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB 116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB 1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The committee first reopened testimony on House Bill 2216, which would strengthen child welfare requirements by expanding “active efforts” to help families avoid removal and support reunification, while also raising standards related to removals and terminations. Supporters from child welfare and family defense groups said the bill would better protect families and align Texas more closely with ICWA-style principles, but several warned it would require significant new funding, staffing, and community services such as mental health care, housing, child care, and substance use treatment. The committee then left HB 2216 pending. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1782, aimed at boarding and group homes. Senator Miles said the bill closes enforcement gaps left by prior law by requiring retention of background-check records and creating misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct or keep them, or for knowingly hiring people with serious convictions. Harris County sheriff’s investigators testified in support, describing illegal boarding homes, operators who evade permits and background checks, and exploitation of vulnerable residents; the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 481 on emergency preparedness for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, adopted a new committee substitute that softened some requirements and removed the fiscal note, and left the bill pending. The committee then heard House Bill 388, which would require the Texas Department of Insurance to create a single standardized coordination-of-benefits form for dual health plans to reduce errors and surprise bills; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1590 would move paternity registry searches for adoptions to an electronic process with a 10-day target, and House Bill 2809 would track child suicide attempts in managing conservatorship and require related reporting and parental notice; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1887, which would prohibit administering mRNA-containing products for immunization for 10 years, with exceptions for cancer and genetic disorders. Supporters argued the bill was needed for safety, informed consent, and medical freedom, while opponents from the medical, research, and public health communities said mRNA vaccines are well-studied, save lives, and that the bill would harm access, research, and Texas’s biotech economy. The bill remained under discussion as testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And 80% of them were Medicaid.
• There I served as a professor of medicine and radiology, and as the director of the Dalu Institute of
• But every, for example, one of the essential health benefits is drug coverage, one of them is mental
• health coverage and substance abuse coverage.
• agencies collecting federal Social Security benefits on behalf of children who enter foster care and

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB 116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB 1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, HB 388, HB388

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum and took up several House and Senate bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The committee first heard HB 2358, a cleanup bill requested by HHSC that would repeal outdated training and conference requirements for long-term care facility surveyors and certain providers; there were no witnesses, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard HB 18, the rural hospital stabilization bill, which would create financial assessment tools, a rural hospital finance office at HHSC, an academy for rural hospital officers, multiple grant programs, enhanced Medicaid reimbursement tied to average cost, OB/GYN add-on payments, expanded pediatric telehealth connectivity, and a rural pediatric mental health program. Senator Perry and witnesses from TORCH, a rural hospital, AARP Texas, and ARCHI strongly supported the bill as a way to stabilize rural hospitals, improve OB access, and address workforce and financial pressures. Committee members discussed rural hospital closures, low-volume quality metrics, system affiliation, and the need for predictable monthly reimbursement; the bill was left pending after testimony and questions. The committee next heard HB 37, which would create a perinatal bereavement care initiative for families experiencing stillbirth, neonatal death, or intrauterine fetal demise, including counseling, staff training, and access to cooling devices, with possible grants and a recognition program for hospitals. Senator Huffman explained the bill, and several witnesses testified in support, sharing personal stories about infant loss and the importance of time with the baby, trained staff, and cuddle cots or similar devices. A neonatologist also supported the bill while suggesting clarification that hospitals should not be penalized if state funding is unavailable and recommending use of regional advisory councils to help implement training. Public testimony was then closed and the bill left pending. The committee also heard HB 879, which would create a streamlined licensing pathway for veterans with medical or nursing experience to practice in Texas, and HB 913, which would add new state hospitals to statute and split the North Texas State Hospital into two separate hospitals with their own superintendents; both bills had no opposition testimony and were left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2744, a heart disease screening bill that would update the 2009 Texas Heart Attack Prevention Act to require insurance coverage for coronary CT angiography with plaque analysis, including soft plaque detection, as a preventive screening tool. The author and invited witnesses argued the technology is more effective than calcium scoring alone, can identify patients before symptoms appear, and could save lives at a cost comparable to or lower than colonoscopy. An insurance industry witness opposed the bill, arguing the technology has not been recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for universal screening and that the mandated coverage and payment level would raise costs; the bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1151, a parental rights bill clarifying that refusing psychotropic medication or psychiatric treatment is not neglect unless the child is harmed. Supporters, including parent advocates and attorneys, said the bill would protect parents from CPS overreach and preserve medical decision-making authority, while one witness urged broader attention to physical causes of behavioral issues. Public testimony was closed and HB 1151 was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• only 18 had bollards, 9 had partial coverage of bollards, and 7 had no bollards at all.
• This is just part of a visit—a few minutes of explaining what the vaccine will do, the risks and benefits
• and benefits of a proposed medical procedure so that they may weigh those risks and benefits against
• Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, a shorthand for NABIP Texas.
• All adults should always know the benefits and the risks of the immunization.

Bills: SB95, SB268, SB493, SB619, SB660, SB922, SB984, SB1098, SB1188, SB1307, SB1332, SB1822

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Transcript Highlights:

• plan coverage of certain in vitro fertilization procedures for certain governmental employees and retirees
• It's one of the only retiree health care funds of its kind in Texas, and it's a reason... and it's a
• . and the Fund's Board of Trustees.
• , we'll have criminals come in and take tens, dozens, or even hundreds of cards off of the shelf and
• It's really just the level of comfort of the retailer and possibly individual stores and how much of

Bills: HB3014, HB3109, HB3126, HB3474, HB3594

Keywords: gift card fraud, counterfeit gift card, gift card tampering, gift card theft, prepaid card, stored value card, retail fraud, financial crimes, consumer protection, organized retail crime, gift card skimming, magnetic stripe, chip card, redemption information, gift card packaging, Penal Code, felony theft, state jail felony, third-degree felony, second-degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• the insertion and removal process of IUDs.
• I've seen some of them where they got rid of the EHR... our mandates and got rid of this, and that's
• We're a pretty big state, and we have a big economy, and there's lots to insure and lots of risk.
• I think it benefits both consumers and helps us get out of this tough cycle in a strong position.
• Because insurance companies can get their product to the market and give consumers the benefit of choice

Bills: HB854, HB 1052, HB1642, HB2076, HB3042, HB3695, HB3787, HB4062, HB4092, SB213, SB493, SB896, HB5519, HB4635

Keywords: insurance, replacement cost, homeowner's policy, renter's policy, condominium insurance, property damage, claims process, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health benefit plan, insurance coverage, out-of-state services, anxiety, pain management, contraceptive devices, women's health, medical procedures, healthcare, laboratory

Transcript Highlights:

• ahold of everybody.
• Necessary documentation must be submitted to ensure compliance and agree to the terms of the existing
• the payments for in-network. ...and out-of-network benefits if the provider is ultimately denied.
• As a result, Patients in pain and in need of prompt treatment are forced to wait for credentialing approval
• I'm here in support of House Bill 1642 on behalf of myself and the Texas Chiropractic Association.

Bills: HB854, HB 1052, HB1642, HB2076, HB3042, HB3695, HB3787, HB4062, HB4092, SB213, SB493, SB896, HB5519, HB4635

Keywords: insurance, replacement cost, homeowner's policy, renter's policy, condominium insurance, property damage, claims process, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health benefit plan, insurance coverage, out-of-state services, anxiety, pain management, contraceptive devices, women's health, medical procedures, healthcare, laboratory

Transcript Highlights:

• And what this bill does is propose to extend the $250,000 surviving spouse benefit to families of reserve
• I mean, you know, we've been up here and looked at lots of statistics on some of these programs, and
• Chair and members, seeks to increase the benefit paid to survivors of law enforcement and firefighter
• And it's to the benefit of these for-profit companies and to the detriment of the patients across Louisiana
• That's provided for payment of extraordinary medical and dental expenses of firemen and law enforcement

Bills: HB12, HB145, HB222, HB291, HB430, HB821, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB979, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• And we really don't have a problem with generic coverage or biosimilar coverage. 85 to 90% of every prescription
• benefits, and they often lead to higher premiums or reduced coverage options, or both.
• And I've had patients who have sent me the letter and gave me the list of non-essential health benefits
• And we do that work, though, because it is for the benefit of our children.
• And I think epilepsy is a really good condition to look at when talking about the benefits of medication

Bills: HB591, HB765, HB826, HB870, HB938, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1236, HB1241

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs

Transcript Highlights:

• That finishes my summary of our findings, and I welcome any questions you might have.
• The benefits of developing and maintaining written procedures include establishing and communicating
• ><c> and</c> The benefits of developing and The benefits of developing and maintaining<00:28:49.039><
• So Graves County and the city of Mayfield are demoing the system and looking at that coverage.
• implementation of this system and and implementation of this system and and and<01:31:42.480><c> maybe

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:03 Summary of Staff Report on the Firefighter Commission Minimum Training Standards and Administrative Spending- 00:01:00 Staff Update on Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel 00:16:00 Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel Representatives Available for Questions-00:39:34 Kentucky State Police & Finance Cabinet Status Update on Kentucky Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System-00:52:35 Adjournment-01:46:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from December 19 and June 12, then received a staff report on the Kentucky Fire Commission’s minimum training standards and administrative spending. Staff explained that the commission’s current minimum training hours are 115 for volunteer firefighters and 300 for paid firefighters, down from 150 and 400 before January 1, 2023, after the commission removed elective classes not directly tied to NFPA standards. The report found the commission’s certification testing aligns fully with NFPA standards, but recommended that the commission formally promulgate regulations establishing the reduced training hours. On finances, staff said the commission complied with the first statutory cap on administrative reimbursements to KCTCS, but could not verify compliance with a second, more specific cap because the finance system does not break out program-level costs and the statute is vague. Staff recommended the commission work with KCTCS to fix that issue and suggested the General Assembly may wish to clarify the statute. After questions about reimbursement levels and investment income, the committee voted to accept the report. The committee then heard an update on the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel. Staff reported that the panel has implemented two of three prior recommendations: it revised its agency notification letter to clearly state the 90-day response deadline and added response prompts and checkboxes to improve completeness. The third recommendation, to adopt formal written procedures, remains in progress; staff said the panel plans to develop those procedures alongside its new case management system. The panel is meeting its statutory membership and meeting requirements, but agency responses to its recommendations have been inconsistent: 48% were timely and appropriate in 2022, 36% in 2023, and 82% in 2024, though only three of nine timely 2024 responses were fully complete. Staff also described the new case management system project, funded with $200,000 in one-time money, and recommended the panel consult budget staff about use of those funds beyond fiscal year 2025. They reissued the recommendation that the panel develop written procedures for case review, findings, recommendations, and annual reports. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of penalties for noncompliance, the volume and length of panel meetings, and technology barriers to reviewing cases, and one member said the panel’s findings should inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is a medical director of their clinic and the chair of their quality improvement and safety committee
• He is also a member and past president of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians.
• One of whom is an amputee herself, and she has fought tirelessly to Take care of patients, and she is
• And whereas he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and recognition of his lasting
• And that copies of this resolution be distributed. That concludes reading of the resolution.

Bills: SB1246, SB1510, SB1979, SB1929, SB1930, SB1976, HCR1019, SB1459, SB1673, SB1500, SB1447, SB1646, SB2007, SB1275, SB2074

Keywords: environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations