REPORT ON BILLS FAVORABLY REPORTED BY COMMITTEE

TITLE OF BILL:

AN ACT REQUIRING A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS REQUIRED IN THIS STATE.

SPONSORS OF BILL:

REASONS FOR BILL:

This bill will require the Insurance Commissioner to create a working group to conduct and report on findings of a cost-benefit analysis of all health care mandates and impact of those costs will have on premiums. By weighing and addressing health care mandates against their impact on cost, insurers and the insured are allowed access to comprehensive coverage that is fair and flexible.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

No testimony was submitted.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Eric George, Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) offered testimony on support of SB-32 with the recommendation the committee clarify and define the language to include the provision for additional information and the impact of all health care mandates as a whole as opposed to providing an individual mandate's impact. Mr. George noted information that supported the rising costs and the impact those costs have on businesses, employees and governments. With the additional language requested, CBIA urges support of SB-32

John Parker, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors of Connecticut, Inc. (NAIFA) testified in support of SB-32. Mr. Parker noted the high number of mandates Connecticut currently has and indicated this high number created higher premiums. Mr. Parker suggested the committee look into language that would propose the working group include in its report the cost and impact the mandates create as a whole not only individually. NAIFA urges support of SB-32.

Christine Cappiello, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield spoke in favor of SB-32. Ms. Cappiello stated the need to value premium costs of benefits against the current mandate requirements. Anthem also asked for the committee to amend the bill to include the creation of a mandate review committee to study mandate prior to proposal to Legislature.

Connecticut Association of Health Plans submitted written testimony in support of SB-32 noting an independent cost-benefit analysis will work in favor of the uninsured and underinsured in the state by working toward affordability on health care coverage.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

No testimony was submitted.