Connecticut Senate Bill SB00753

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15
• Refer: 2/11/15

Caption

An Act Requiring The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange To Hold A Public Hearing Prior To Charging An Assessment Or User Fee, Or Changing The Amount Of An Assessment Or User Fee Charged, To A Health Carrier.

Impact

The bill's enactment directly impacts the governance of the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange by formalizing a requirement for public input on financial decisions that may affect health carriers. By instituting a process where health carriers are notified and invited to hearings, the bill aims to promote accountability within the Exchange. As a result, this could lead to more informed and fair decisions regarding user fees that health carriers must pay, potentially reducing conflicts and misunderstandings between the Exchange and insurance providers.

Summary

Bill SB00753 is designed to enhance transparency and public involvement before the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange can charge assessments or user fees to health carriers. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Exchange must hold a public hearing prior to implementing any new fees or changing existing ones. This requirement aims to ensure that affected stakeholders, mainly health carriers that provide coverage through the exchange, have an opportunity to voice their concerns and provide feedback, thereby fostering a more collaborative regulatory environment.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB00753 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for transparency and accountability in health insurance regulation. Proponents argue that the bill represents a crucial step toward establishing a more open and participatory environment in health policy-making. This sentiment contrasts with possible concerns from some administrative bodies that may view the additional requirement for public hearings as slowing down operational processes within the Exchange.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding this bill may revolve around balancing regulatory efficiency with stakeholder engagement. While supporters praise the bill's focus on public hearings as a means to ensure fair treatment of health carriers, opponents may express concerns about the potential lag in decision-making processes that could arise from mandatory hearings. The challenge will be in ensuring that these requirements do not hinder the Exchange's ability to operate effectively while also addressing stakeholder concerns adequately.