Please be advised that the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Commission) will conduct its first public hearing on Monday, September 29, 2008 at 1:00 in House Room D to hear issues relating to House Bill 83 Substitute, coverage for Autism.
The role of the Advisory Commission is to gather and study additional information in a process that includes a variety of interested parties and industry experts, and allows time for citizen input. A recommendation from the Advisory Commission goes back to the General Assembly, primarily to the committees that oversee insurance legislation. The benefit of the process is that the relevant committees have a separate report which highlights specific issues essential to the evaluation of the proposed mandated benefit, including medical efficacy, social impact and financial impact. The Bureau of Insurance (BOI) serves as staff to the Advisory Commission.
I have received written comments from proponents of the bill, state agencies, AutismSpeaks, and several other individual supporters. The written comments will be prepared for advanced review by the Advisory Commission. By return email, please confirm your interest (and that of other experts) who wish to address the Advisory Commission on the day of the public hearing. The deadline for receipt of comments is August 15, 2008. The agenda on the 29th includes the Advisory Commission hearing 3 bills in addition to HB 83. It is critical that we manage submitted materials and the Advisory Commission schedule as efficiently as possible.
The General Assembly Building is located at the corner of 9th at Broad Streets. When taking Exit 74C, the General Assembly Building is located approximately 2 blocks on the left. Because of renovations, all visitors-even legislators-are relegated to public parking. The downloadable map is a good reference for other public parking in the vicinity.
FYI: The directions below will lead you to the St. Paul ’s Episcopal Church parking lot. The parking lot is open to the public, is underground, is monitored, and costs approximately $3.00 per hour. I encourage you to arrive early.
If you have questions while enroute, or if you have other concerns after 12:00, noon on the 29th, you may reach me at 804-836-2964. It has been my pleasure to serve you in this capacity, and I look forward to meeting you or talking further with you.
Florence Morris
Sr. Insurance Analyst
Bureau of Insurance
State Corporation Commission
804-371-9537
