Following Sharp Outcry From Private Insurers, Connecticut Lawmakers Pause On Creating Public Option
“We are taking a step back and evaluating where things stand," said state Sen. Matt Lesser, a Democrat who led the proposal. He said many of the complaints from the insurance industry revolved around displeasure with competing with the government for customers. Meanwhile, California lawmakers move ahead with plans to expand coverage for undocumented immigrants in the state.
The Wall Street Journal:
Connecticut’s Public Health Bill Stalls On Industry Concerns
Legislation to create a public health-insurance option in Connecticut is off the table after an outcry from private insurers. State Sen. Matt Lesser, a Democrat who led the proposal, said other components of the health-care legislation might still move forward this year, including seeking permission from the federal government to buy prescription drugs from Canada and looking for ways to contain costs in the state’s health-care system. (de Avila, 5/29)
The CT Mirror:
Public Option Hits Rocks, Key Components Stripped From Bill
New, state-sponsored plans for individuals and small businesses, which would have been rolled out in 2022 if the legislation succeeded in its latest form, are expected to be removed from the bill, along with a provision to re-establish an individual mandate, its proponents said. What triggered the revisions is less clear. The Hartford Courant reported Wednesday that Comptroller Kevin Lembo claimed a threat from Cigna to move out of state had derailed the public option. But a spokesman for Cigna denied that a threat had been made, and Lembo made himself unavailable after his visit to The Courant. (Carlesso and Pazniokas, 5/29)
The Hill:
California Lawmakers Vote To Offer Health Insurance To Undocumented Immigrants
The California State Assembly voted overwhelmingly this week to pass legislation that would allow adult undocumented immigrants to receive health insurance benefits. According to The Associated Press, the state legislature passed the bill in a 44-11 vote Tuesday. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. (Folley, 5/29)
