2006 Senate Bill 1255

Authorize Medicaid healthy behavior incentives

Introduced in the Senate

May 9, 2006

Introduced by Sen. Tom George (R-20)

To require the Department of Human Services to seek federal permission to use Medicaid funds to create incentives for individual recipients who practice specified positive health behaviors. (Not smoking, losing weight, and actually showing up for doctor's appointments have been specified in earlier proposals by the sponsor.) The incentives may include expanded benefits; positive or negative incentives relating to premiums, co-pays, or benefits; and more. The bill would also allow the Department of Community Health to create pay-for-performance incentives for contracted Medicaid HMOs that health outcome targets for chronic diseases, and patient compliance targets established by the department. It would allow the department to establish a preferred provider program for durable medical equipment, and provide financial support using Medicaid funds for electronic health records, including e-prescriptions, web-based medical records and other health information technology initiatives.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations

May 23, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 31, 2006

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

June 1, 2006

Passed in the Senate 35 to 2 (details)

Received in the House

June 6, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations