Sen. Berthel, CT Senate Republicans Unveil Plan to Make Health Care More Affordable

Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) yesterday joined Connecticut Senate Republicans to unveil “A Better Way to Affordable Health Care” – a comprehensive set of legislative proposals aimed at lowering the cost of health care in Connecticut. (The plan linked below.) Senator Berthel, who has been a strong advocate for affordability and access to healthcare, offered praise for the Senate Republican plan.

“I understand the challenges that middle-class Connecticut families are facing when it comes to accessing quality medical care. Many people are struggling to make ends meet, with healthcare costs taking a huge toll on their kitchen-table budgets. The current system does not have the patient’s best interest in mind.

“There is a better way. Transparency, competition, and consumer choice can create a path to a healthcare marketplace that works for everyone. The Affordable Care Act promised affordable and accessible healthcare for all, but unfortunately, many Connecticut residents have not yet experienced these benefits. But I am optimistic that we can make a positive difference. We are offering thoughtful and meaningful solutions to bring relief to those who need it most. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle join us to create a more affordable healthcare system for all,” said Senator Berthel.

The CT Senate Republican plan will:

• Reduce health insurance premiums by up to 30% over the long term by implementing a state-based reinsurance program
• Reduce healthcare cost growth through benchmarking
• Address prescription drug affordability by tackling practices that drive up the costs of prescription drugs by examining pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and practices such as spread pricing
• Maximize pool purchasing for prescription drugs and health care supplies
• Increase transparency and data sharing to drive down costs
• Allow small businesses to join each other in associations to purchase group health plans together, utilizing the enhanced economy of scale to negotiate significantly lower rates
• Subject hospitals to the same cost growth benchmarking requirements as insurance carriers and pharmaceutical companies
• Ensure hospital billing practices are transparent and reflect the site at which the health care service was provided
• When implementing cost growth benchmarking, ensure the needs of complex care patients, including the IDD community, are being met
• Promote growth of high-paying, innovative insurance technology jobs

Read the plan HERE.