One of the Senate’s last actions as session concluded for the summer late last week was passing SB 348 and a companion bill, SB 347, providing for a 1-percent health insurance claims tax. The measure is expected to raise approximately $400 million and leverage an additional $800 million in federal matching dollars and is viewed as a key component in balancing the 2011-2012 Medicaid budget.
Following the Senate’s action, the legislation was referred to the House Appropriations Committee, Chaired by Representative Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham). The House of Representatives is scheduled for two session days between now and the summer’s end although no voting in expected to take place. The Appropriations Committee however, is expected to meet, debate and attempt to move the measures prior to the Legislature’s return to a full-time session schedule.
