Senate Finance previews insurance bills; members flag Blue Cross board and association plan risks

Senate Finance members on April 1 said they will separate and take testimony on three insurance bills rolled into H585 and flagged a set of policy and consumer‑protection issues the committee wants explored.

A committee member said Planned Parenthood had emailed concerns about politically appointed seats on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield board, and members agreed to invite the nonprofit and Blue Cross representatives for testimony. "Planned Parenthood sent an email and I think they made a pretty good case to be concerned about this appointed," a committee member said during the session.

Members discussed a broader item about association health plans (AHPs), noting the federal regulatory environment has shifted in the past and that litigation remains pending in other states. The committee expressed caution about allowing AHPs to operate without stronger oversight because "there's no requirement that they have reserve funds," a member said, pointing to past insolvencies and the absence of an equivalent guaranty fund for these plans.

The committee also discussed a technical change (section six) to create sight‑neutral reimbursement for physical and occupational therapy and said it will invite physical and occupational therapists and rehabilitation providers to testify about reimbursement and facility fees. Members suggested separating testimony on each insurance bill so stakeholders can address specific issues rather than treating three insurance topics as a single package.

No votes were taken on the insurance items during the morning meeting; the committee will reconvene at the scheduled time to receive testimony and consider amendments and next steps.