Connecticut House Of Representatives Opens State Health Insurance Pool

Connecticut House Of Representatives Opens State Health Insurance Pool in Politics and Legislation

In a vote mostly along party lines, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed legislation allowing more people to buy into the state’s employee health insurance pool.

The measure was pushed by House Democrats, who argue that the bill will help reduce overall health care costs and provide affordable health insurance coverage for more residents.

The bill has actually been around for more than 15 years — it was first proposed in 1991, reported the Hartford Courant.

If made into law, the legislation would let groups with less than 50 people purchase coverage in the state-run insurance pool — including small businesses, non-profit organizations, and state municipalities.

But there are strong opponents of the bill. Many Republican lawmakers contend that the bill doesn’t save money — they believe it will increase spending.

Critics of the measure are also worried it’s a move toward single-payer, government-run health insurance.

The budget office in Governor Jodi Rell’s administration signaled opposition to the bill, as well.

“While this bill has been touted as saving significant dollars for municipalities, our research indicates that is not the case,” said Robert Genuario, the state’s budget director.

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