We're Gaining Ground!
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It’s a good time to look at the ground Connecticut has
actually gained in the ongoing struggle to ensure everyone in our state has
quality, affordable health care.
Perceived as the insurance capital of the country, our state continues
to lead as a top-tier state in the health reform movement as a result of
passage of two major bills into law: HB 6308 and SB921.
Unfortunately, the governor’s veto of SB11, which would
have required insurance companies to publicly justify rate increases of more
than 10 percent, gave insurers a pass at the expense of consumers’
protection. Here’s a snapshot of the two
bills that passed this summer, moving the state closer to victory, as well as a
recap of the vetoed rate review legislation.
P.A. 11-58 (HB 6308): An Act Concerning Healthcare Reform An overarching bill that coordinates how Connecticut will do health care establishes:
• SustiNet Cabinet, charged with creating a business plan to explore alternatives to our current health insurance system, including a public option, and the Cabinet will receive input from a Consumer Advisory Board.
• The Office of Health Reform and Innovation, which will act as a clearinghouse for the coordination of state and federal reforms.
• That in 2012 municipalities will be able to begin applying for entry into state employee pool, and if approved residents of those communities will begin to see reductions in the amount of their tax dollars spent on health care. In 2013, qualified nonprofits will be able to do the same thing, and if approved, more of their dollars can be spent on their mission.
P.A. 11-53 (SB 921): An Act Establishing a State Health
Insurance Exchange This bill strengthens the rights of consumers – gains that
were unprecedented elsewhere in this country.
The exchange legislation creates the marketplace called for in federal
reform where consumers and small businesses can compare health care plans
side-by-side and purchase one that best fits their needs. This legislation
establishes the oversight board for the marketplace, which opens in 2014, and
the board does not include insurance companies – virtually making it impossible
for those with conflicts of interest to shut out competition or innovation.
P.A. 11-170(sS.B.11): An Act Concerning the Rate Review Process for Certain Insurance Policies The most immediate gains for consumers would have been seen in SB 11. Unfortunately Gov. Malloy chose to veto this bill. Insurance companies in Connecticut would have had to publicly justify rate increases of more than 10 percent at symposiums before the Insurance Commissioner. Consumers would have been allowed to submit both written and verbal testimony which would have had to be considered by the Insurance Commissioner when deciding if a rate increase was justified. Gov. Malloy removed those protections with a stroke of the pen.
However, thanks to nearly six years of solid health care activism, of which healthcare4every1 has been a driving force, Connecticut is leading the way in the health care reform fight. And no matter how long it takes, we will not rest until Connecticut has a universal health care policy that leaves no one out.
Juan A. Figueroa, President, Universal Health Care Foundation
Lynne Ide, Director of Advocacy, Universal Health Care Foundation and healthcare4every1
