What would formula coverage mean for everyone else?

One of the biggest questions that comes with changes to health care is 'what will this cost everyone else.'  As in, will my premiums go up even if someone in my family doesn't need the formula?  It is estimated the average family will notice no difference due to the passage of this law.

Of the 40,238 infants and children on WIC in Utah during December 2010, only 308 (0.76%) used elemental formula because so few require it. This provides some re-assurance that premiums will not raise.

Private insurance coverage will save the state money (ie, tax dollars) by moving those who have it off of state aid (Medicaid, WIC, and CHIP).  Since state aid will cover the formulas, some families opt to go underemployed for their abilities just to get coverage.  Given the chance, most of these families would gladly move to private insurance.

Thirteen states now mandate coverage for amino acid based elemental formulas. These states have recognized the importance of a patient’s existence while also recognizing that the cost to the state is virtually nothing.

Example of Fiscal Impact from Recent Similar Legislation

MAINE – legislation covers multiple disorders and diseases, with “additional costs are expected to be minor and can be absorbed within the existing budgeted resources.”

TEXAS – legislation covers multiple disorders and diseases, with “no significant fiscal implications to the State are anticipated.”

MARYLAND – legislation covers multiple disorders and diseases, with “minimal impact to the state. No impact to small business.”

OREGON – legislation covers multiple disorders and diseases, with “No Expenditure Impact on the state or local governments.”

MINNESOTA – came to an agreement, without the need for a mandate, to cover amino acid formula for multiple diseases and disorders.

ARIZONA – no fiscal note prepared (passed in 2006)