Connecticut Poised To Consider Public Option That Supporters Say Will Cut Premiums By 20%
Under the legislation, the state would form an advisory committee with experts, consumer advocates and state officials, and the group to develop network criteria and provider reimbursement rates to guarantee a 20% premium savings compared to plan rates in 2020. Washington state passed a similar proposal earlier this month, and several other states are considering public options.
The Wall Street Journal:
Public Health Insurance Legislation Announced In Connecticut
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and fellow Democratic lawmakers reached an agreement Thursday to create a public option that will allow individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance through the state. The proposal also calls for re-establishing the individual mandate—a centerpiece of the Affordable Care Act that required people to have health insurance or pay a penalty—that has since been eliminated at the federal level by Congress. The bill would also have the state seek permission from the federal government to buy prescription drugs from Canada and calls for taxing opioid manufacturers. (De Avila, 5/23)
The CT Mirror:
Democrats Unveil Sweeping Overhaul Of Public Option Bill
To help pay for it, lawmakers want to re-establish the penalty for failing to comply with the federal health coverage mandate. The bill would effectively reverse– in Connecticut– Congress’ decision to remove the edict in the Affordable Care Act that all adults have health insurance, either through their jobs, Medicaid or by purchasing it directly. The statute would create a state mandate, which proponents estimate would raise $25 million annually in penalties paid by those who don’t comply with the requirement. (Carlesso and Phaneuf, 5/23)
In other news —
The Associated Press:
July 9 Appeal Arguments Set In 'Obamacare' Case
A court has scheduled a July 9 hearing on a Texas-based judge's ruling that former President Barack Obama's signature health care law is unconstitutional. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans set the hearing date Tuesday. The law's opponents want a 5th Circuit panel to uphold U.S. District Court Judge Reed O'Connor's 2018 ruling striking down the law. (5/23)
