Senator Tony Hwang Leads Charge for Healthcare Cost Transparency, Accountability, and Affordability

HARTFORD, CT — Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) celebrated a major step forward in addressing the rising costs of healthcare and prescription drugs in Connecticut. As a leader on the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, Senator Hwang played a key role in advancing a set of bipartisan bills that enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, and reduce financial burdens on patients and families.

“Healthcare affordability is a fundamental issue for Connecticut residents, and tackling this challenge requires leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to real solutions,” said Senator Hwang. “By working closely with Governor Ned Lamont’s office and my colleagues on the Insurance Committee, we successfully passed three critical bills that will help lower insurance premiums, cut prescription drug costs, and protect patients from surprise out-of-network charges. This is the kind of action our residents deserve—transparent, accountable, and focused on results.”

Key Healthcare Cost-Reduction Legislation Passed

SB 1253: Strengthening Oversight of Insurance Rate Increases

• Grants the Insurance Commissioner new authority to scrutinize and adjust proposed rate hikes, ensuring premiums remain affordable.
• Allows for a reduction of up to 2% on excessive premium increases beyond established affordability benchmarks.

HB 6870: Cutting Prescription Drug Costs for Patients

• Ensures that payments for lower-cost prescription drugs count toward patients’ insurance deductibles, increasing affordability and access to life-saving medications.

HB 6871: Protecting Patients from Unexpected Out-of-Network Charges

• Caps out-of-network Medicaid charges at 240%, shielding patients from excessive and unanticipated medical bills.

Senator Hwang also underscored the importance of transparency in the legislative process, citing the committee’s renewed commitment to action after failing to advance any bills last year. “This year, we delivered. These reforms put patients first and hold insurers accountable. We must continue this momentum to ensure affordable healthcare for all Connecticut residents.”

Standing Firm on Cost Containment: Opposition to SB 10

While celebrating these victories, Senator Hwang voiced serious concerns about SB 10: An Act Concerning Health Insurance and Patient Protection, which he did not support.

“While SB 10 contains positive elements, such as improvements in mental health and substance use disorder coverage, it ultimately falls short of addressing the fundamental issue—cost reduction,” said Senator Hwang. “We cannot afford to pass legislation that adds regulatory burdens and increases administrative costs without providing direct savings to patients and families.”

A Commitment to Continued Action

With these legislative wins, Senator Hwang reaffirmed his leadership in the fight for affordable, transparent, and accountable healthcare policies that prioritize patients over bureaucracy.

“Our work doesn’t stop here. I remain committed to championing smart, patient-focused policies that ensure every Connecticut resident can access quality healthcare without financial hardship,” Senator Hwang stated. “We must continue working together—Republicans and Democrats alike—to deliver cost-effective and sustainable solutions for our communities.”