Connecticut Senate Bill SB00544

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17
• Refer: 2/3/17
• Report Pass: 3/7/17
• Refer: 3/16/17
• Report Pass: 3/22/17
• Engrossed: 5/25/17
• Report Pass: 5/26/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Prior Legislative Approval Of Increases In Assessments And User Fees Charged By The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange.

Impact

If enacted, SB00544 will modify existing regulatory frameworks governing the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, particularly in terms of how assessments and user fees are implemented and adjusted. This change will affect the operations of health carriers and could lead to greater scrutiny of the financial policies of the exchange, potentially impacting the affordability of health insurance options for consumers.

Summary

SB00544 aims to require prior legislative approval for any increases in assessments and user fees charged by the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange. This bill is intended to enhance transparency and oversight regarding the financial operations of the exchange. By necessitating legislative consent for fee increases, the bill seeks to give more power to the state legislature over the financial decisions that affect health carriers offering plans in the exchange.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB00544 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for greater accountability in state financial practices, particularly those concerned about the rising costs of health insurance. However, there may be concerns from health carriers about the increased bureaucratic hurdles that could arise from requiring legislative approval for fee changes. Overall, the bill may reflect a broader trend towards increasing oversight within public health administration.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00544 may include debates over the efficiency of requiring legislative approval for assessments and fees. Proponents argue that such measures are essential for maintaining transparency and preventing unchecked increases in costs that could be passed on to consumers. Opponents may express concerns about delays in decision-making processes and the potential for political influences to impact financially necessary adjustments needed by the exchange.