Sen. Kelly Applauds Final Passage of Bill Enhancing Access to Prenatal Care

May 8, 2018

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator and Co-Chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford), released the following statement regarding the final passage of legislation that would improve access to prenatal health care by allowing uninsured pregnant women to enroll in health insurance.

“Women in Connecticut have waited three long years for this legislation to pass through both chambers of the General Assembly,” said Sen. Kelly. “This legislation will help keep mothers and babies healthy and result in better health outcomes through their entire lives.”

Under federal law, individuals cannot purchase insurance outside of the yearly open enrollment period unless they experience a qualifying life event. However, currently pregnancy is not one of those qualifying events in Connecticut.

“I want to thank my Co-Chairs of the Insurance Committee who have worked with me throughout the past three years on this important legislation,” saidSen. Kelly. “I am happy to see, that as a whole, the Connecticut General Assembly has put women and babies at the top of their priority list and have seen the importance of ensuring that women have access to the prenatal care they need and the prenatal care they deserve.”

Senate Bill 206 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.