Item 62

Authorize to accept and expend federal grant funds in the amount of $536,561 for FY 2018 and FY 2019 from the US Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of enhancing the States’ ability to effectively enforce the consumer protections under Part A of title XXVII of the PHS Act. The primary focus of the Department’s efforts will be to expand its review of parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits, as well as some work to ensure that health insurance issuers do not include discriminatory benefit designs that discourage people with potentially high-cost medical conditions from enrolling in those plans to enhance review of issuer form filings to ensure coverage of preventive health services without cost sharing. (2)Further authorize to establish a Class 046 (Consultants) to enter into contracts for consulting services with various vendors. Effective upon G&C approval through October 30, 2018. 100% Federal Funds. Contingent upon Fiscal Committee approval on August 25, 2017.