HEALTH CARE COST CONTAINMENT COUNCIL Mandated Benefits [35 Pa.B. 6852] Section 9 of the act of July 17, 2003 (P. L. 31, No. 14) (Act 14) requires that the Health Care Cost Containment Council (Council) review proposed mandated health benefits on request of the executive and legislative branches of government. Representative Nicholas A. Micozzie, Chairperson of the House Insurance Committee, has requested that the Council review House Resolution 400, Printer's Number 2469 (Bunt). House Resolution 400 directs the Council to study the requirement of comprehensive insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Initial notification of request for information and documentation was published at 35 Pa.B. 5200 (September 17, 2005) with documentation due to the Council by November 17, 2005.
Following is a list of the documentation received. This information is available for public review and comment at the Council offices during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., until January 17, 2006. Additional comments on this information must be received at this time. Comments should be sent to Flossie Wolf, Health Care Cost Containment Council, 225 Market Street, Suite 400, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Submissions for House Resolution 400 1. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania
* Statement addressing section 9 requirements.
* Attachments addressing health insurance coverage, health insurance mandates and factors driving the rising cost of healthcare.
2. Highmark
* Statement addressing section 9 requirements.
* Attachments addressing the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
3. Independence Blue Cross
* News articles on insurance coverage of infertility treatment.
4. The Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania
* Statement addressing section 9 requirements and opposing House Bill 400.
* Attachments addressing health insurance coverage, health insurance mandates and factors driving the rising cost of healthcare.
5. Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association
* Letter and comments in opposition to House Resolution 400.
6. Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
* Letter and comments in opposition to mandated benefits.
7. Representative Raymond Bunt, Jr., Member, House of Representatives
* Letter in support of House Resolution 400.
8. Resolve
* Letter indicating support of House Resolution 400.
* Documentation addressing section 9 requirements.
* Attachments addressing the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
9. Wolf Block Government Relations
* Statement by AFLAC noting the importance of excluding certain policies from those affected by House Resolution 400.
Sixty-seven constituent letters in support of House Resolution 400.
MARC P. VOLAVKA,
Executive Director[Pa.B. Doc. No. 05-2345. Filed for public inspection December 16, 2005, 9:00 a.m.]
