HD17 - Interim Report on Health Insurance Coverage Available in the Commonwealth for Individuals with Chronic Health Problems

  • Published: 1985
  • Author: General Assembly. Joint Subcommittee
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 69 (Regular Session, 1984)

Executive Summary:
In recent years, individuals with chronic health problems have found it increasingly difficult to obtain health insurance coverage as insurance companies have found it necessary to change the manner in which they underwrite risks because of dramatic increases in health care costs. Several states have attempted to solve the "uninsurability" problem through the implementation of health insurance pooling mechanisms which provide comprehensive hospital and medical coverage for these high-risk Individuals.

In an effort to learn more about the health insurance coverage available in Virginia for individuals who are significant health, and thus underwriting, risks and to consider the feasibility of the Commonwealth's implementing a health insurance pooling mechanism, a joint subcommittee was established, pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 69 of the 1984 General Assembly, a copy of which is attached to this report as Appendix I.

Delegate Joan H. Munford of Blacksburg served as Chairperson of the subcommittee. Other members of the House of Delegates appointed to serve were: Frank D. Hargrove of Glen Allen and Mary Sue Terry of Stuart.

Senator Frank W. Nolen served as Vice-Chairperson of the subcommittee. Other members of the Senate appointed to serve were: E. M. Holland of Arlington and Robert C. Scott of Newport News.

Mr. B. Michael Herman with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Southwest Virginia from Roanoke and Dr. Stephen L. Pohl, Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, from Charlottesville were appointed citizen members of the joint subcommittee.

C. William Crammé, III and Terry Mapp, Research Associate, with the Division of Legislative Services, served as legal and research staff to the subcommittee. J. Lester Fitzgerald, Deputy Clerk of the House Clerk's Office, provided administrative and clerical duties for the subcommittee.