Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00212

Introduced
1/22/21  

Caption

An Act Establishing A State-operated Reinsurance Program And Requiring That This State Apply For A State Innovation Waiver.

Impact

If enacted, SB00212 would directly impact the state's statutes concerning health insurance regulation, specifically those related to reinsurance programs. This legislative move could lead to lower insurance premiums for consumers, which is a significant aim given the rising costs of healthcare. The successful implementation of this reinsurance program may enhance the overall affordability and accessibility of healthcare plans, addressing concerns surrounding the financial sustainability of health insurance markets within the state.

Summary

SB00212 aims to establish a state-operated reinsurance program to cover claims for certain health benefits under qualified health plans. This proposed bill signals a significant shift in the state's approach to healthcare funding, intending to provide financial relief for insurers, thereby potentially stabilizing premiums in the market. By allowing the state to apply for a federal innovation waiver, the bill seeks to reallocate federal funds, such as premium tax credits, to support this reinsurance initiative. The State Innovation Waiver would enable the state to customize its healthcare program within the bounds set by federal law while seeking to enhance its affordability and accessibility.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the funding mechanism of the proposed reinsurance program. Critics might argue that reallocating funds such as premium tax credits could adversely affect enrollees who rely on these subsidies, potentially leading to unintended consequences for certain consumer demographics. Furthermore, questions surrounding the efficacy of state-run programs versus federally run initiatives could spark debate among stakeholders, including insurance providers and healthcare advocates, regarding the best path forward for maximizing healthcare delivery and affordability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00210

An Act Concerning A State-operated Reinsurance Program, Health Care Cost Growth And Site Of Service Billing Requirements.

CT HB05465

An Act Requiring The Insurance Commissioner To Conduct A Study Of Usage-based Automobile Liability Insurance Programs For New Drivers In This State.

CT SB00456

An Act Establishing A Pilot Program For The Development And Implementation Of Ten-year Plans To Eradicate Concentrated Poverty In The State.

CT HB05145

An Act Concerning Innovation Banks.

CT HB05142

An Act Concerning Consumer Credit, Certain Bank Real Estate Improvements, The Connecticut Uniform Securities Act, Shared Appreciation Agreements, Innovation Banks, The Community Bank And Community Credit Union Program And Technical Revisions To The Banking Statutes.

CT SB00501

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Assessments For Property Taxation, Innovation Banks, The Interest On Certain Tax Underpayments, The Assessment On Insurers, School Building Projects, The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Charter And Certain State Historic Preservation Officer Procedures.

CT HB05493

An Act Establishing A Youth Sports Grant Program.

CT SB00400

An Act Concerning The Insurance Department's Technical Corrections And Other Revisions To The Insurance Statutes.

CT HB05402

An Act Excluding From Veterans' Income Calculations Certain Benefits Payments For Purposes Of Eligibility For Certain State And Municipal Programs.

CT HB05503

An Act Concerning Insurance Market Conduct And Insurance Licensing, The Insurance Department's Technical Corrections And Other Revisions To The Insurance Statutes And Captive Insurance.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.