Connecticut House Bill HB05340

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/19
• Refer: 1/15/19

Caption

An Act Increasing Health Care Costs For Legislators To Provide Additional Funding For Human Services.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5340 would specifically amend section 5-259 of the general statutes. This change would lead to increased healthcare costs for legislators themselves, with the intention of utilizing the resulting savings to bolster human services funding. The proposed adjustment signifies a shift in financial responsibility for lawmakers, potentially encouraging a stronger commitment to support human services in the state. The impacts could be significant as they attempt to address funding shortages in crucial areas that assist struggling residents.

Summary

House Bill 5340 proposes to increase medical and prescription drug copayments for members of the General Assembly. The initiative seeks to generate cost savings on healthcare expenses incurred by legislators. The fundamental purpose of this bill is to redirect these savings towards providing additional funding for human services aimed at supporting needy state residents. By implementing this monetary adjustment, the bill aims to enhance the overall support for vulnerable populations within the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 5340 may stem from the implications of raising copayments for legislators. Critics could argue that increasing their healthcare expenses may not lead to sufficient or appropriate funding for human services, questioning the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the fairness of this increase and whether it adequately addresses the needs of those reliant on human services. Advocates for social support systems might voice concerns that the level of funding secured through this bill may still fall short of what is required to make a substantial difference in the lives of needy state residents.