Health care reform emerges as leading topic at State Capitol

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The 2007 legislative session is shaping up to be one in which significant health care reform proposals will be thoroughly debated. Health care reform frameworks and proposals have been unveiled by Gov. Rell (Charter Oak Health Plan and HUSKY Health 2007), Senate Democrats, CBIA, the Connecticut Health Insurance Policy Council, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Universal Health Care Foundation.

More groups are expected to join this discussion with their own proposals and policy directions, including Speaker of the House Jim Amann’s Healthy Kids Connecticut working group, which has been meeting on the issue of uninsured Connecticut residents, particularly children.

Practical approaches

After Massachusetts passed a so-called universal health care bill last year, many people expected similar proposals to surface in Connecticut. That has not been the case so far. And despite the lobbying and financial resources of some groups who support a government-run, single-payer health care system, legislative leaders have thus far taken a more pragmatic approach.

Most of the health care proposals released in Connecticut focus on health care cost, quality and access, and are aimed at finding practical and sustainable solutions to the entire health care problem.

Rising costs have made health care less affordable for employers and employees alike, making it harder for people to gain access to quality care.

The Universal Health Care Foundation, however, has offered three proposals that look at the issue solely from the standpoint of access without serious consideration of health care cost or quality.

Comprehensive plan needed

CBIA is encouraging lawmakers to develop a comprehensive plan to control health care costs and expand access to quality, employer-based health benefit coverage. Legislators should consider:

Providing consumers with more information about their health care, including cost and quality data

Encouraging the implementation of electronic medical records

Focusing on prevention and disease management and promoting healthier lifestyles though employee wellness programs

This year, it’s likely the legislature will also grapple with the issue of cost-shifting from Medicaid to the private sector in terms of provider reimbursements. According to the legislature’s Program Review and Investigations Committee, the state under-reimburses hospitals and providers for their Medicaid costs. These hospitals and providers then look to the private sector to pay a portion of the shortfall.

CBIA also anticipates strong debate over proposed health benefit mandates. The association will urge legislators to adopt a moratorium on new mandates.

While many different proposals and ideas will be considered in the health care reform debate, CBIA will work to ensure that the state continues to support the employer-sponsored health insurance model as well as maintain the integrity of Connecticut’s exceptional health insurance rating laws for small employers.

For more information, send e-mail to Eric George or call him at 860-244-1900.