Item 35

Authorize to accept and expend federal grant funds in the amount of $583,603 for FY 2017 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 and 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 June 30, 2017. 100% Federal Funds. Fiscal Committee approved.