Connecticut House Bill HB05338

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The State Employee, Partnership And Municipal Employee Health Insurance Plans.

Impact

The proposed bill also requires that any transfer of state funds to cover losses incurred by the state employee or partnership plans must go through the Finance Advisory Committee. This provision aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the fiscal management of public health insurance programs. Additionally, the Auditors of Public Accounts are tasked with annual reporting on the financial health of these plans to relevant state agencies, which is intended to maintain vigilance over the budgetary implications of public employee health care costs.

Summary

House Bill 05338 aims to reform the administration of health insurance plans for state and municipal employees. The bill directs the Comptroller to take specific actions regarding health insurance plans, ensuring that they undergo examination by certified actuaries and are secured by stop-loss coverage. It establishes that these plans should adhere to the same regulations as other group health plans, including prior rate review by the Insurance Department and a mandated medical loss ratio of at least eighty percent. This measure intends to improve the financial oversight and stability of the health insurance offerings for state and municipal employees.

Contention

While HB 05338 is designed to strengthen the regulation and oversight of health insurance for state employees, there are potential points of contention related to funding and the implications of increased regulations. Supporters argue that improved accountability mechanisms will safeguard taxpayer interests and enhance service quality, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential for increased administrative burdens on health insurance providers. The bill’s reception will ultimately depend on stakeholder responses within the insurance industry and among public employees who are affected by these changes.