(photo) Sen. Somers Supports Bipartisan Measure for Affordable CT Health Insurance Options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2023

Sen. Somers Supports Bipartisan Measure for Affordable Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses, Nonprofits

Measure will create affordable healthcare options for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

Sen. Heather Somers today joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and a coalition of business groups, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations to support legislation offering healthcare relief for struggling small businesses in Connecticut.

H.B. 6710 allows small employers to pool together to jointly purchase large group health insurance plans directly from a carrier, making health insurance more affordable and accessible. Small employers with less than 51 employees cannot currently access the large group market. Under this bill, groups can negotiate directly with an insurance company to design a plan that meets their needs with lower administrative costs, rating flexibility, and increased buying power. The bill also allows trade and industry associations of significant scale to offer self-funded insurance plans regulated by the Connecticut Insurance Department and subject to the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential health benefits and state-mandated benefits. These plans will help improve patient outcomes, incentivize healthy lifestyles, and keep healthcare costs down.

Organizations supporting H.B. 6710 include:

— The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA)
— The Credit Union League of Connecticut
— The Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance
— National Federation of Independent Business
— Connecticut Restaurant Association
— Connecticut Brewers Guild
— Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

Attached photo:
Connecticut Business and Industry Association President and CEO Chris DiPentima and Sen. Heather Somers