Sen. Kelly, Sen. Hwang Respond to Comptroller Lembo’s Calls for Government Run Health Care

Killing jobs is not “bold” or “courageous.” There is a better way.

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), ranking member of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, who earlier this week submitted testimony opposing the insurance rate hikes now being considered in Hartford, issued the following statement responding to Comptroller Kevin Lembo’s renewed calls for a ‘public option’ government-run health care program included in his testimony on the same issue:

“We agree with the Comptroller in his recognition that Connecticut health care is unaffordable and his admission that Connecticut Democrats have failed to deliver on the promise of affordable health care, over a decade after the passage of Affordable Care Act. But his ‘solution’ of killing tens of thousands of middle-class Connecticut jobs is not ‘bold’ or ‘courageous.’ It will be devastating.

“Connecticut Republicans are offering a better way. We have a plan to reduce health insurance premiums for all families by 25-30% according to Access Health CT’s estimates contained in the Wakely report. Our plan also drives down out of control cost drivers and reduces prescription drug costs. Our plan saves the average family $525 per month in premium costs. But the policy did not pass. And now instead of premiums going down, rates are going up.

“While the Governor has signaled support for many of the ideas we are proposing, Democrats in the legislature have been obstructionists and have rejected taking bipartisan action to reduce health insurance premiums and health care costs this past legislative session.

“We will continue to fight for policies that address cost drivers, improve affordability and access, and increase quality care. People cannot afford more expensive health care. There is a better way and the people we represent deserve it.”

Read Sen. Kelly and Sen. Hwang’s complete testimony submitted to the Insurance Department opposing the proposed rate hikes here: https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/2021/08/kelly-hwang-oppose-health-insurance-rate-hikes-renew-calls-for-affordable-health-care-reforms/

The public will have an opportunity to submit questions and/or provide comments specific to the rate filings. Anyone wishing to testify can sign up by sending an email to [email protected] with your name and testimony attached no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, August 27, 2021. All testimony can be submitted by emailing [email protected].