Connecticut House Bill HB05800

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Authorizing Credit Unions, Banks And Realtor Associations Or Organizations To Establish Or Participate In Association Health Plans.

Impact

This legislation could significantly impact the landscape of health insurance in the state by broadening the scope of entities allowed to offer association health plans. Such changes could facilitate easier access to health insurance for small businesses and individual professionals who may struggle to find affordable options on their own. The potential for collaboration among credit unions, banks, and real estate professionals means more streamlined healthcare offerings could emerge, directly benefiting their members through cost savings and increased negotiating power.

Summary

House Bill 05800 aims to authorize credit unions, banks, and realtor associations or organizations within the state to establish or participate in association health plans. The bill seeks to amend existing statutes to allow these entities the opportunity to provide health insurance options through collective arrangements. This initiative is positioned as a means to enable better health insurance access and affordability for members of these organizations by pooling their resources and negotiating health plan options collectively.

Contention

While the bill is largely framed as a positive step towards enhancing healthcare access, there may be points of contention related to the adequacy of coverage offered through these association health plans. Critics might argue that allowing these organizations to provide health plans could result in lower coverage standards or inadequate benefits due to the profit-driven nature of some entities involved. Nebraska’s experience with association health plans has led to discussions about ensuring regulatory oversight to protect consumers, which could be a pivotal aspect of the ongoing dialogue surrounding HB 05800.