CT GOP Senators: Tuesday bill hearing offers path to more affordable health insurance

For Immediate Release

CT Senate Republican lawmakers: Tuesday bill hearing offers path to more affordable health insurance

As small employer health insurance costs continue to soar in Connecticut, Republican state lawmakers say a common sense bill receiving a Tuesday public hearing can provide much-needed relief.

Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding, Sen. Tony Hwang, Ranking Senator on the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, and Sen. Jeff Gordon, who is a medical doctor, said Association Health Plans/Employer Health Benefit Consortiums legislation will get a hearing on Feb. 27.

“Health insurance rates have sharply increased in recent years,” the lawmakers said. “This bill will let small businesses and nonprofit organizations group together and pool resources and risks. It will lower their costs. Support for this pragmatic idea has come from the Connecticut State Medical Society, Associated Builders and Contractors, Connecticut Association of REALTORS, and the Connecticut Non-Profit Alliance, to name just a few. Small businesses from Newtown, Fairfield, Collinsville, Plainville and Plymouth have all submitted testimony urging the bill’s passage. The bill has widespread bipartisan support, it will make health care more affordable, and it doesn’t require any public funds or taxpayer liability. It’s a common sense idea that will ease burdens, and we hope it becomes state law.”

Tuesday’s hearing starts at 9 a.m. To submit testimony on House Bill 5247, visit here.