The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee is due July 31, 2019 for employers with any type of self-funded plan and/or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement. The fee helps fund unbiased research that evaluates the clinical effectiveness of medical treatments regardless of the profit potential. This fee is also known as the Comparative Effectiveness Research Fee, or CERF.

While the legislative session in early 2019 included proposals in civil rights, economic security, and educational programs, there was also a large focus on healthcare initiatives. Coloradans continue to express concern about the affordability and access to quality healthcare coverage, and the state legislators believe they are making important strides toward addressing these challenges. 

Over the past year, Fall River has seen an increase in a provider practice called “surprise medical billing” or “balance-billing.” Out-of-network providers will bill the patient even though they were seen at an in-network hospital and had no choice in who they were treated by. We have been anxiously awaiting legislation that would better-protect patients, and in early May Colorado lawmakers passed the Out-of-network Healthcare Services bill to address this issue.

Guest Article by Michele J. Wagner, SHRM-SCP

The Colorado Legislature adjourned its 72nd session May 3, 2019, passing numerous bills affecting Colorado employers and employees. As of this writing, these bills were passed by the Legislature and sent to Governor Polis for signature. Below is a summary of the bills affecting employment and wage practices, including what you need to know and do (or don’t do) as an Employer.

Beginning in 2020, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will be required to report annual uncompensated costs and expenditure by using data submitted by hospitals. Governor Jared Polis signed the law as part of the bigger goal to reduce health care costs.