Oversight for insurance exchange passed

Senators gave final approval May 10 to a bill intended to provide state-based oversight for Nebraska’s health insurance exchange.

Under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Nebraska is required to have an operational health insurance exchange by Jan. 1, 2014. Nebraska will have a federally facilitated exchange.

LB384, introduced by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, will create the Nebraska Exchange Stakeholder Commission.

Under the bill, the commission will:
• work with state and federal agencies and policymakers to provide oversight and recommendations regarding implementation and operation of the exchange;
• create technical and advisory groups as needed to discuss issues regarding the exchange and to make recommendations to the commission, state or federal agencies and the Legislature;
• assist the exchange in meeting the stakeholder consultation requirements as provided in federal regulations; and
• identify challenges and problems in the implementation and operation of the exchange and prepare recommendations to alleviate the problems identified.

The commission will report to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2013.

The bill passed on a 47-0 vote.