Committee advances primary care payment reform bill, asks for targeted consultation and report

The Senate Health & Welfare Committee voted to report S197 favorably after reviewing draft 3.1, which establishes a primary care payment reform program and adds reporting requirements for implementation.

Jen Perfect of the Office of Legislative Town introduced the draft and said it includes a new Section 7 directing the Agency of Human Services to report on transitioning care to community settings and to consult specified entities; the change adds the state primary care association to the list of named consultees. "The one with the fewest changes is S197," Jen Perfect said as she described the draft.

Committee members said they were supportive of the bill’s goals. The sponsor noted the program builds on an existing primary-care-focused blueprint and that insurers and other stakeholders have signaled support for the concepts in the proposal. The committee reduced language complexity in places and confirmed there are no new appropriations or fees associated with the current draft.

A motion to move S197 (draft 3.1) favorably to the clerk/secretary passed on a recorded roll call; the clerk recorded a unanimous favorable tally for the senators present.

The committee directed that the board and AHS coordinate the report called for in the bill so members will have information on scope, timing and practical considerations when the bill reaches subsequent stages. The committee chair said the committee will monitor whether a fiscal note or appropriations referral is later required as the bill advances.

The bill now proceeds toward the next steps of the legislative process, where further amendment and a fiscal review remain possibilities.