Connecticut House Bill HB07265

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/19
• Refer: 2/28/19

Caption

An Act Authorizing Association Health Plans For Group Practices And Exempting Practices Covered Under Such Plans From Certain Provisions Of The Insurance Statutes.

Impact

The bill is designed to provide exemptions for practices that are part of these association health plans from certain sections of the insurance statutes that typically govern health insurance for small employers. This is seen as a move to reduce regulatory burdens and encourage cooperative purchasing among small practices. As such, it could significantly change how small employers approach health insurance, potentially expanding coverage options while also possibly lowering costs through collective bargaining.

Summary

House Bill 07265 seeks to authorize the creation of association health plans for group practices, allowing two or more group practices to form an association for the purpose of providing health coverage to their employees. This bill mandates that the Insurance Commissioner develop regulations that facilitate such associations, thereby enabling group practices to pool their resources and negotiate better health insurance options. This approach aims to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for small employers who might struggle to obtain adequate coverage independently.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding this bill involve concerns about the potential impact on existing health insurance frameworks and the broader insurance market. Critics argue that allowing associations to form could lead to less regulation and oversight, potentially compromising the quality of health coverage. Moreover, there are apprehensions about the advantages it might create for larger practices while leaving truly small businesses—those that do not qualify for group plans—at a disadvantage.

Additional_note

If successful, HB 07265 could pave the way for significant changes in how health insurance is structured for small employers, emphasizing the need for balanced considerations to ensure equitable access to quality health care without compromising consumer protections.