Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.

Crisco Wins Senate Approval for Bill to Create State Insurance Exchange

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today ushered through the Senate a bill to establish the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, which will function as a clearinghouse to help individuals and employers evaluate and compare insurance options.

Senator Crisco said plans for the quasi-public insurance exchange will help align Connecticut with provisions of federal healthcare reform as spelled out in the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

“This health insurance exchange will provide a transparent, high-tech approach for consumers to shop for their insurance needs and will allow side-by-side comparisons of competing policies, so consumers and employers alike find the most suitable, cost-effective policy available,” Senator Crisco said. “In much the same way airline flights and hotel reservations are now made more easily on-line, shopping for insurance policies will improve overall access to healthcare through this insurance exchange.”

Senator Crisco said he welcomed the unqualified support from a majority of his Senate colleagues and Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn).

“This bill helps to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses today, access to affordable health care for its employees,” said Senator Williams. “We listened to the concerns of small businesses to make sure Connecticut’s new exchange will meet their needs and truly help to control costs and grow jobs.”

Senator Crisco described a few responsibilities of the insurance exchange, to include: operation of a toll-free telephone line for consumers, certification standards for insurance policies, maintenance of a Web site and publication on that Web site of comprehensive cost information, and preparation of objective ratings for each health insurance plan made available.

SB921, An Act Establishing a State Health Insurance Exchange, now advances to the House of Representatives for its consideration and action.