Connecticut Senate Bill SB00957

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/13
• Refer: 2/21/13

Caption

An Act Establishing A Health Insurance Advisory Council.

Impact

The bill mandates the creation of an advisory council composed of various stakeholders, including advocates for uninsured individuals, Medicaid recipients, organized labor representatives, and members of the insurance community. This diverse composition highlights an inclusive approach aimed at bridging the gaps between consumers’ needs and the insurance market. The council's responsibilities will include examining consumer affordability factors, evaluating insurance rate methodologies, and assessing the coordination among different state healthcare entities to enhance competition in the health insurance market.

Summary

SB00957 establishes a Health Insurance Advisory Council aimed at evaluating and making recommendations on the effective review of health insurance rates in the state. This initiative is significant as it seeks to address the affordability of health insurance and monitor the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) within the state. The establishment of this council underscores the state's commitment to enhancing oversight in the health insurance market, ensuring that consumer rights are respected, and that premiums remain affordable for residents.

Contention

The implementation of SB00957 is expected to spark discussions around the balance of regulatory oversight and market freedom. Proponents of the bill advocate for greater state involvement in health insurance oversight to protect consumers, while opponents may argue that increased regulation could stifle competition or lead to higher operational costs for insurers. Thus, the council's findings and recommendations will likely be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of health insurance regulation in the state, warranting careful attention from all stakeholders involved.