Sen. Hwang: CT Democrats delay and fail to act on health care affordability
October 4, 2022Sen. Hwang: “It’s just like every other promise Democrats have made to our residents when it comes to health care affordability. Promise, delay, inaction.”
Last month after approving double-digit health insurance rate hikes, Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais promised to hold a hearing to further explain the rate setting process and the cost of health care.
However, Oct. 3 has come and gone and no hearing has been held.
Republican lawmakers made sure to point out the delay.
“Over a decade ago Democrats promised the Affordable Care Act would deliver affordable health care. Since then, health care has only become more unaffordable,” Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly and Sen. Tony Hwang said in a statement Monday. “This year double-digit health insurance rate increases were approved in Connecticut by the Governor’s administration and a promise was made to hold a hearing on October 3 to closely examine the driving forces. That hearing is not happening today. It’s just like every other promise Democrats have made to our residents when it comes to health care affordability. Promise, delay, inaction.”
A spokesman for the Insurance Department said it wasn’t an oversight or a failure.
“The health care cost drivers informational meeting was postponed to better allow stakeholders and participants the time to prepare for this vital discussion and provide consumers with the information they need and deserve,” Jim Carson, a spokesman for the agency, said.
Republicans said they are sick of waiting for Democratic leaders to come up with a plan.
“We have an achievable, common-sense plan to reduce your health insurance premium, reduce prescription drug costs and seek savings in medical care so that the average family sees a premium reduction of over $6,000 a year. Why wait for more of the same? CT residents have a choice. Must we continue to wait for affordable health care? Or do you want action now to lower your health care costs?,” Kelly and Hwang said.
