Connecticut Senate Bill SB00491

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/17
• Refer: 1/20/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Carriers To Pay A Minimum Commission To Certain Insurance Producers And Brokers.

Impact

The implementation of SB00491 could have significant implications for the insurance market within Connecticut. By instituting minimum commission requirements, the bill aims to create equitable compensation structures for brokers and ensure their continued involvement in the consumer selection process. This potential increase in broker engagement may lead to improved insurance literacy among consumers and facilitate better health coverage decisions. However, it could also drive up costs for health carriers, which might be passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums.

Summary

SB00491 is legislation aimed at regulating the commissions that health carriers must pay to insurance producers and brokers. This bill mandates that any health carrier offering health insurance plans through the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange is required to provide a minimum commission to brokers who assist individuals or small employers in selecting an appropriate health plan. This measure seeks to encourage brokers to actively participate in guiding consumers toward suitable insurance options, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the health insurance exchange.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB00491 revolves around the balance between ensuring adequate broker compensation and preventing increased health insurance costs for consumers. Critics may argue that while the bill intends to bolster the role of brokers, the mandatory commission could inadvertently inflate overall insurance costs, creating affordability issues for individuals and small employers alike. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the bill's potential impact on smaller health carriers who could struggle to meet the commission requirements in a competitive market.