RD170 - Annual Report on the Special Advisory Commission On Mandated Health Insurance Benefits


Executive Summary:
The Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission) was created in 1990 to evaluate the social and financial impact and medical efficacy of existing and proposed mandated health insurance benefits and providers. Sections 2.2-2503 through 2.2-2505 of the Code of Virginia provide for the establishment and organization of the Advisory Commission.

The Advisory Commission met three times in 2004. Eight proposals were forwarded to the Advisory Commission by the 2004 General Assembly. The patron of House Bill 1422 withdrew the bill from consideration. House Bill 1422 proposed a mandate of coverage for ovarian cancer testing and annual mammograms. House Bill 935 that proposed allowing the sale of consumer choice plans and House Bill 1362 that would place a five-year moratorium on mandated benefits were deferred until 2005 at the request of the patron.

Five proposed mandates were reviewed by the Advisory Commission. A summary of each of the bills, the public hearings, and recommendations of the Advisory Commission are included in this report.