Florida Insurance Commissioner Appoints Members of Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroups

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”) has announced the appointment of members to the new Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup and the Developmental Disabilities Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup.

The Developmental Disabilities Compact was established by Senate Bill 2654 and signed into law in May, 2008 by Governor Charlie Crist.  This legislation created the “Window of Opportunity Act,” under which the OIR has been charged with convening a workgroup by August 31, 2008 to develop and execute a compact relating to insurance coverage and access to services for persons with developmental disabilities.  The goal of the compact is to increase insurance coverage for persons needing behavior analysis, behavior assistant services and medically necessary therapies

The OIR also is charged with convening a consumer advisory workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact.  Deputy Insurance Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz will chair the effort on behalf of Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty.

The OIR’s report to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House is due Feb.15, 2009.

The initial meeting of the Autism Compact Workgroup and the Autism Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup is scheduled for August 22, 2008 in Tallahassee.

To view an analysis of SB 2654, click here.

 

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

Florida Insurance Commissioner Appoints Members of Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroups

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced the appointments of the members of the new Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup and the Developmental Disabilities Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup. The Developmental Disabilities Compact was established by Senate Bill 2654 and signed into law in May by Gov. Charlie Crist.

Called the “Window of Opportunity Act,” Section 624.916, F.S. charges the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) with convening a workgroup by Aug. 31 to develop and execute a compact relating to insurance coverage and access to services for persons with developmental disabilities. The Office also was charged with convening a consumer advisory workgroup to provide a forum for comment on the negotiated compact.

“Members of the workgroups have very important roles and some significant challenges ahead of them as they work toward ensuring increased coverage for behavior analysis, behavior assistant services and medically necessary therapies,” said Commissioner McCarty. “I was extremely pleased with the overwhelming response we received from candidates interested in being part of the workgroups. It was not an easy selection process, because all candidates had great credentials and demonstrated a solid interest in making the workgroups a success.” 

Deputy Insurance Commissioner Mary Beth Senkewicz is the chairperson of this effort on behalf of Commissioner McCarty.

The workgroups will hold their first meeting, together, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. in room 412 of the Knott Building.

Developmental Disabilities Compact Workgroup members are as follows:
• Jim Bracher, Executive Vice President, Florida Association of Health Plans
• William Delaney, VP Government Affairs, Psychcare LLC
• Randy Kammer, VP Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida
• John Matthews, VP Government Affairs, UnitedHealth Group
• Douglas Nemecek, National Medical Director, CIGNA
• Colette Riehl, Program Director Prior Service Authorization, APS Healthcare Inc.
• Michelle Robleto, Director, Div. of State Group Insurance, Dept. of Management Services
• Jack Scott, Director, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, Florida Atlantic University, by Senate President Ken Pruitt
Developmental Disabilities Compact Consumer Advisory Workgroup members are as follows:
• Jeanne Boggs, parent
• Robin Bokilo, parent and Supportive Living Coach
• Angel Bostick, parent
• Mark Epstein, M.D., Medical Director, Miami Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center
• The Honorable Steven Geller, The Florida Senate
• Lauri Goldman, Office of Insurance Consumer Advocate
• Robert Hopp, parent
• Jennifer Morgan-Byrd, President, National Autism Association of Florida
• Alisa Snow, Executive Director, Alliance for Pediatric Therapies
• Patricia Young, grandparent
Additional appointments will follow, as required by statute.

For more information about the Developmental Disabilities Compact, please visit www.floir.com/Autism.aspx.

 

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