Sens. Looney, Duff, Lesser Applaud Advance of Affordable Healthcare Legislation
HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee State Senator Matt Lesser applaud committee passage of Senate Bill 3, a Senate Democrats priority piece of legislation designed to make healthcare affordable.
When Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress allowed federal premium tax credits to expire, Connecticut families insured through Access Health CT saw their premiums skyrocket overnight. Additionally, 100,000 residents are projected to lose their HUSKY Medicaid coverage this year due to passage of the federal Republican budget, which also threatens the financial underpinning of Connecticut hospitals. Senate Bill 3 takes a broad approach to ensure that Connecticut residents are not forced to choose between paying rent and staying insured.
“Addressing the astronomical cost of healthcare and barriers in care is a top priority for our caucus, and this legislation addresses this issue in several ways,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “One of the most challenging pieces of healthcare for patients is the benefits cliff – lower-income folks get a raise or a better-paying job, and then they find themselves ineligible for benefits but still unable to afford coverage. Our health care markets are untenable, especially after the draconian cuts from the Republicans in Washington, D.C, and this legislation provides targeted relief for thousands of families in Connecticut.”
“Plain and simple, this bill will make Connecticut more affordable,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Donald Trump and Republicans are jacking up the cost of health care to give tax breaks to billionaires, and we cannot sit by and do nothing. Connecticut Senate Democrats are stepping up to bring down costs, protect access to critical services, and ensure that folks do not spiral into medical debt simply because they sought care when they needed it.”
“We have a moral imperative to protect Connecticut residents from the cruelty coming from Washington D.C.,” said State Senator Matt Lesser. “Access Health CT premiums are skyrocketing, folks are being kicked off of Medicaid, and there are long term structural issues within the hospital systems that are being exacerbated due to these Republican policies. In Connecticut, we are using every tool available to us to protect our residents and expand access to quality healthcare.”
Creating the Connecticut Affordable Health Insurance Trust Fund
The bill transfers $200 million from Connecticut’s Emergency Federal Response Fund to make health care and health insurance more affordable for Connecticut residents.
The Connecticut Option
Thousands of Connecticut residents saw their Access Health CT premiums spike due to the Republicans in Congress and the White House. Connecticut quickly acted to provide full tax credits for families earning 100–200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and partial tax credits for middle class families between 400% and 500% of poverty. This proposal funds additional health care tax credits that will cover families earning up to 600% of the FPL, so middle class families aren’t left behind.
The proposal also begins the planning process for the Governor’s Proposed Connecticut Option, creating a state designed health plan that would provide affordable healthcare options for small business owners and their employees.
Basic Health Program
In addressing the benefits cliff experienced by many working families and individuals across the state, this legislation establishes a Basic Health Program (BHP) to cover low income residents. For those who earn too much to qualify for HUSKY, but cannot afford private healthcare on Access Health CT, this would create an affordable, reliable option that could replace the more limited Covered CT.
Addressing Medical Debt + Hospital Financial Assistance
This legislation prohibits hospitals from billing patients who earn under 200% of the FPL, or receive public benefits like SNAP or WIC, reducing the number of Connecticut residents who will be saddled with medical debt. It would also require hospitals to offer payment plans for patients who do not otherwise qualify for financial assistance.
The proposal creates a state funded program that would provide payments to support hospital financial health. The bill contemplates tapping into Disproportionate Share Medicaid payments to compensate hospitals for the cost of providing health care to uninsured and under-insured residents.
Prior Authorization
Senate Bill 3 makes improvements to prior authorization by shortening the timeframe for certain review determinations and decisions. Delays in prior authorization can restrict medically necessary care, increase emergency room wait times and crowding, increase the cost of care and negatively affect patient care and experience.