Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association Analysis: State Legislatures Opt For Incremental Reforms In 2004 6/24/2004
From: Claire Sheahan of Blue Cross And Blue Shield Association, 202-626-4825 or claire.sheahan@bcbsa.com; Web: http://www.bcbs.com WASHINGTON, June 24 -- Spiraling healthcare costs and tight budgets led to an emphasis on targeted reforms in this year's state legislative sessions, according to a new analysis from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). The analysis, which addresses major health legislation enacted in 2004 and identifies the most significant trends for insurers in 2005, was presented by Susan Laudicina, director of state services research for BCBSA at a briefing today in Washington, D.C. "This year, states are still recovering from the worst financial crisis in decades, so the environment is not very receptive to new or expanded programs. Generally, state legislatures are working within the current systems to address the health issues they are facing," said Laudicina. To develop the "State of the States" analysis, BCBSA surveys each of the 41 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans at the close of their state legislative sessions to assess the leading issues of the year. Two-thirds of the state legislatures have already adjourned. Highlights from 2004's "State of the States" analysis include: Creation And Expansion Of Medical High-Risk Pools: This year, the single most popular method of addressing access and affordability to health coverage in the states was through medical high-risk pools, which are designed to provide a safety net for people with catastrophic medical conditions who do not have access to employer-based group health insurance. Eleven states passed some form of legislation regarding these pools. Strong Consumer Protections Against Identity Theft: To protect consumers from identity theft that may result from fraudulent use of a Social Security number, five states enacted laws prohibiting health plans from publicly displaying an individual's Social Security number or printing it on any card required to access services. Targeted Expansions Of Public Programs: In spite of budget woes, several states enacted incremental reforms to expand access to health coverage for targeted populations through public-sector programs. Prospects For State Legislation In 2005: Based on the legislative debates and trends of 2004, the following developments are likely in 2005: -- State lawmakers will continue to face the challenge of closing budget gaps by reducing public health expenditures for Medicaid/S-CHIP and prescription drugs. -- Officials will continue to seek more affordable and accessible private health insurance, and will look to increased flexibility in benefit packages to create more options in their state. --- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is made up of 41 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 88 million -- nearly one-in-three -- Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and it Plans, visit http://www.BCBS.com. For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association's policy positions and the healthcare debate, visit http://www.BCBSHealthIssues.com. |