Governor Rell Assembles ‘Rapid Review’ Panel

to Assess Impact of Federal Health Care Reform

Panel Will Start Work As Federal Bill Heads to Conference

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she is assembling a health care “Rapid Review” panel that will include state agency heads, insurance experts, medical providers and large and small employers to closely follow the progress of the federal health care reform bill. The panel’s work will begin shortly – while the legislation is still in “conference committee” – so that potential problem areas can be identified before the bill is in final form. The effort will continue when and if the reforms are passed.

            “The bills that have passed the House and Senate in Washington have enormous and wide-ranging consequences, not only for every American but for our economies and for our employers,” Governor Rell said. “I know and certainly appreciate that Congress has worked long and hard on these reforms, but Connecticut taxpayers should not have to shoulder any extra burden. I want to be absolutely sure that there are no added costs – either hidden or overt – in this voluminous piece of legislation.

            “We must also be ready to implement – and to make the most of – any positive changes that the final legislation may bring,” the Governor said. “The planning we do now puts us in a better position to improve the lives of Connecticut residents and keep Connecticut’s leadership position in the health care and insurance industries.”

            The panel will be led by Cristine Vogel, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Health. It will include representatives from the Department of Public Health, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Insurance, the Office of Policy and Management, hospitals, physicians, small employers and large employers (who may see significant tax impacts under the bill).

            “We must understand exactly how our patients, our medical community, our state-subsidized health plans and the insurance companies that call Connecticut home will be affected if this becomes the law of the land,” Governor Rell said. “This team will track the bill during the ‘conference’ process, when the differing House and Senate versions are combined, to identify any areas that may be troublesome and to engage our Congressional delegation in fixing the problems. As the bill moves toward final form and an up-or-down vote, they also will help us target specific actions we need to take as a state to be ready to implement any coming changes.”

            Among its charges, the panel is to assess:

• Whether the coverage in the federal bill is affordable to families and individuals
• The adequacy of the state’s health care technology and data information systems
• The effect of any policy change on the state economy and jobs
• Available actuarial analyses for different groups of uninsured

          “This reform must be equitable, it must be cost-effective and it must deliver what it is intended to provide – quality, affordable health care for all,” Governor Rell said.