The Honorable, The Legislature:
As required under s.
13.94(1)(dh), Wis. Stats., we have completed our annual financial audit of the Wisconsin Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) Authority for 2009. The HIRSP Authority provides medical and prescription drug insurance for individuals who are unable to obtain coverage in the private market or who have lost employer-sponsored group health insurance. As of December 31, 2009, 16,381 policyholders were enrolled in one of the HIRSP Authority's plans. Enrollment has increased in 2010 as the HIRSP Authority reduces premiums and increases income limits for subsidies, and as individuals who have lost employer sponsored group coverage exhaust their COBRA benefits.
We have provided an unqualified audit opinion on the HIRSP Authority's financial statements. However, our report includes a recommendation to address a concern with access to the pharmacy claims adjudication system by the pharmacy benefit manager's employees.
Since its inception on July 1, 2006, the HIRSP Authority has maintained a sound financial position. Its net asset balance was $27.5 million on December 31, 2009, which was well in excess of the targeted balance of $15.8 million established by the HIRSP Authority Board. Premiums and health insurer assessments were therefore reduced for 2010.
In July 2010, as part of the federal health care reform efforts, the federal government contracted with the HIRSP Authority to implement a temporary federal high-risk pool program to provide access to insurance for individuals who are uninsured because of pre-existing medical conditions. The HIRSP Federal Plan, with coverage effective August 1, 2010, is expected to operate until 2014.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the HIRSP Authority, the plan administrator, and the pharmacy benefit manager. A response from the Chief Executive Officer of the HIRSP Authority follows our report.
Sincerely,
janice mueller
State Auditor
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State of Wisconsin
Government Accountability Board
September 28, 2010
The Honorable, The Senate:
The following lobbyists have been authorized to act on behalf of the organizations set opposite their names.
For more detailed information about these lobbyists and organizations and a complete list of organizations and people authorized to lobby the 2009-2010 session of the legislature, visit the Government Accountability Board's web site at:
http://gab.wi.gov/.
Essie, Patrick Wisconsin Health Freedom
Coalition
Schumaker, Micahel Citigroup Global Markets Inc
Weller, Mark Wisconsin Independent
Telecommunications System, Inc. d/b/a Access Wisconsin
Also available from the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board are reports identifying the amount and value of time state agencies have spent to affect legislative action and reports of expenditures for lobbying activities filed by organizations that employ lobbyists.
Sincerely,
kevin kennedy
Director and General Counsel
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The committee on Agriculture and Higher Education reports and recommends:
Relating to weights and measures regulation, licensing, and fees.
No action taken.
Kathleen Vinehout
Chairperson
