April 15, 2011
STATE REPS. JOHNSON & HADDAD HOLD HEALTH ISSUES FORUM
State Representatives Susan Johnson (D-Windham) and Gregory Haddad (D-Mansfield, Chaplin) held a health care issues forum at Generations Family Health Center in Willimantic tonight.
Johnson, who is Vice Chair of the legislature’s Insurance & Real Estate Committee, discussed the need to lower the cost of health insurance for the state’s small businesses.
“If we want to keep jobs in the state and attract more jobs, we need to lower the cost of doing business in Connecticut. Our small businesses are being squeezed by skyrocketing health insurance costs,” said Johnson. “That’s why we are working at the capitol to give our small businesses access to quality health insurance at lower rates by allowing them to join the state employee health insurance plan.”
Johnson was referring to legislation (HB 6308) that would allow small businesses, municipalities, and non-profits to voluntarily join the state employee health insurance plan. Similar legislation was approved by the General Assembly in 2009, but was strongly opposed by Republicans and vetoed by Governor Rell. The lawmakers are optimistic with a new governor that the legislation will become law this year.
The state lawmakers discussed other health insurance reforms being considered at the legislature this year including legislation (HB 6305) implementing the SustiNet Plan which coordinates the state’s healthcare spending to improve quality and slow cost growth. It also leverages the strength of the state’s existing healthcare programs and federal dollars to create a non-profit health insurance choice for municipalities, private employers and households.
“Improving access to quality, affordable healthcare is an ongoing challenge and one of government’s most basic and important responsibilities,” said Haddad. “This forum is a great way to let people know about how we are trying to provide more efficient delivery of healthcare services at a lower cost.”
Another bill (HB 6323) would update the state’s insurance laws to allow Connecticut residents to take advantage of several consumer protections contained in the new federal health care law, including an expansion of coverage for dependents through age 26, prohibitions on pre-existing conditions for children and unreasonable lifetime coverage limits.
State Representative Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford/Montville), the House Chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, joined the area legislators at the forum.
“I am delighted to participate with my colleagues in this forum to share information about healthcare laws currently before the legislature,” Ritter said. “It's critically important that Connecticut moves now to take maximum advantage of federal funds from healthcare reform and use these funds to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare for our residents. Community discussions are always a wonderful forum to share information, opinions, and feedback to help us make better decisions.”
Legislation (SB 1204, SB 921, HB 6323) is also moving forward to establish a health insurance exchange in Connecticut, which will better organize the health insurance marketplace to help individuals and small businesses access more options, easily compare plans, and use economies of scale to secure competitive rates for quality insurance.