Sen. Sampson Cautions Unintended Consequences of Added Healthcare Mandates

State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) today cautioned residents on the unintended consequences of a bill (S.B. 6) that places additional mandates and restrictions on private healthcare insurers in Connecticut. The Senate approved the measure late yesterday, which includes policy mandates on prior authorizations for medication and “step therapy” treatment, among other provisions.

“Senate Bill 6 undermines the few remaining cost containment measures remaining in the healthcare industry. Yet again, the government is dictating how private companies run their businesses. These new mandates are intended to help patients to receive better medical care, something we all agree with. Unfortunately, they will have a deleterious impact on insurance premiums. Through similar legislative actions over the years, we’ve created a one-size-fits-all environment, causing many insurers to leave the state,” said Senator Sampson.

“We should be restoring a free marketplace with real competition and more choices for Connecticut’s healthcare consumers. Instead, state government is eliminating competition and driving up costs. We’ve already seen double-digit increases in premiums in recent years and this policy will undoubtedly lead to more,” he said.