Health reform bill starts journey

The first step toward turning an omnibus health system reform bill was taken by a legislative committee Wednesday.

Despite Democrats on the House Business and Labor committee opposing portions of the bill — in particular a proposal that would remove some of the children now enrolled in the joint local and federal State Childrens Insurance Plan—HB133 was sent to be debated on the floor of the house.

Evidence of two of the biggest health care problems addressed in the proposed legislation — the increasing price of insurance premiums and the decreasing number of businesses who offfer medical benefits — was provided by a business owner who supports the bill generally but believes another increase in his insurance premium coming this year will put insurance out of reach and the future of his store in jeopardy.

The intent is right, but the outcome of HB133 might be too little too late for a lot more businesses, Steve Hatch, owner of Hatch Family Chocolates, told lawmakers.

The bill sets up a general strategic plan to make Utah's health care system more accessible, more accountable and consumers more engaged. It calls for more insurance carriers to tailor old plans or develop new ones to help cover 306,500 Utahns who have no insurance whatsoever. Income tax credits would be offered for those paying premiums and incentives offered to businesses to offer medical benefits.

The bill also empanels a special task force that will be assigned to come up with specific steps and legislation by November.