In addition to the new national health reform law and opportunities that states may take advantage of, such as the high-risk pool offered by the Department of Health & Human Services, states have not been lax in presenting their own legislation and measures to improve health care for residents, while the national implementation begins. Below are some examples of recent actions on health care.

In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick announced a reorganization of student health insurance benefits that the governor's office says "will significantly enhance state and community college students' access to quality health care coverage." The expansion will be instituted in 24 public college campuses.

Governor Patrick has already announced that the state is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield for updated student services beginning in August. Governor Patrick had been in the news previously for implementing immediate protections for insurance rates. (See, DM 12185).

In Colorado, Governor Bill Ritter announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has now approved Colorado Medicaid's 2009 proposal to collect a hospital provider fee. The bill allows for the hospital provider fee to be imposed in order to obtain federal matching funds. The governor says those funds, a total matched by the federal government of $1.2 billion, would insure an additional 100,000 state residents.

"This is a great day for Colorado. We have made significant progress on the road to thoughtful reform by providing coverage for 100,000 mothers, children, people with disabilities, and other Colorado residents," said Gov. Ritter.

In Connecticut, Governor M. Jodi Rell is notifying seniors and individuals with disabilities on Medicare that they can save around $100 a month in premiums and other costs through enrollment in the state's expanded Medicare Savings programs. Through legislation introduced by State Rep. Linda Schofield, the eligibility level for Medicare Savings Programs was lowered to make more people eligible for the federally matched programs which, the Governor says, saves the state money. The Medicare Savings Programs will also help Medicare Part D prescription drug costs, as members will be entitled to the federally-funded Medicare Part D subsidy.

Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed legislation Tuesday expanding accessibility of health care through allowing physician assistants to legally partner with physicians. Under the law, physician assistants can create professional corporations or LLCs with physicians, which was previously prohibited. The legislation expands settings where physician assistants can practice, and expands opportunities for physician assistants. The law takes effect July 1, 2010.

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