Connecticut House Bill HB05355

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/15
• Refer: 1/14/15

Caption

An Act Requiring A Study Of The Use Of Medicaid To Pay The Cost Of Premiums For Health Insurance Sponsored By A Public Institution Of Higher Education.

Impact

The proposed legislation could significantly impact public health policy and the financial responsibilities of higher education institutions in Connecticut. By potentially allowing Medicaid funds to pay for health insurance premiums, the bill could lead to improved health coverage for students who are otherwise uninsured. This move might alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by both students and educational institutions, leading to increased overall student wellbeing and academic performance as a result of better health management.

Summary

House Bill 05355, introduced by Rep. Scott, aims to require a study on the feasibility of using Medicaid to cover health insurance premiums for students attending public institutions of higher education. The bill mandates that the Department of Social Services, in coordination with the Board of Regents for Higher Education and The University of Connecticut, assess the effectiveness of Medicaid in providing insurance for medically-indigent students who lack other health coverage and are eligible for state Medicaid benefits. This initiative seeks to enhance health insurance accessibility for students who may be financially constrained.

Contention

While the bill has positive implications for students needing health insurance, it may also raise concerns among budget-conscious lawmakers regarding the long-term sustainability of utilizing Medicaid funds for such purposes. Critics of the bill might argue that relying on Medicaid for student health insurance could undermine the program’s funds or open up debates about the appropriateness of Medicaid utilization for non-traditional beneficiaries such as college students. The feasibility and mechanisms of implementing such a change are also likely to be hot topics during discussions surrounding the bill.