Connecticut Senate Bill SB00213

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Requiring Prior Approval Of Assessments And User Fees Charged To Health Carriers By The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange.

Impact

If enacted, SB00213 would significantly affect how the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange operates financially. By requiring public hearings and legislative approval for user fees, the bill aims to foster transparency and public engagement in the decision-making process. This could also potentially constrain the Exchange's ability to generate revenue independently, as any proposed fees would now face scrutiny and require bipartisan support, which may slow down the implementation of new fees or assessments.

Summary

SB00213, titled 'An Act Requiring Prior Approval Of Assessments And User Fees Charged To Health Carriers By The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange', aims to enhance the accountability and oversight of the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange. This proposed law stipulates that the Exchange must conduct a public hearing and obtain legislative approval before imposing any assessments or user fees on health carriers. The intention is to ensure that stakeholders, particularly health carriers, have a voice in potential financial obligations that may arise from the Exchange's operations.

Contention

The bill faces potential contention related to concerns from both health carriers and policymakers. Proponents argue that increased oversight is necessary to prevent arbitrary fee assessments that could impact healthcare costs for consumers. On the other hand, those who oppose the bill might raise issues regarding the delay and bureaucratic processes that could arise from mandating public hearings and legislative votes, potentially hindering the Exchange's capacity to respond swiftly to changing healthcare needs and financial pressures.