Lawmakers Fail to Address Small Business Healthcare Costs 

The state’s largest business organization issued the following response to yesterday’s Appropriations Committee vote rejecting a transformative small business healthcare bill. 

“For years small businesses have asked for help as they face soaring healthcare costs amid the shrinking small group insurance market,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima. 

“This session, legislators had an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and send a message that they’re truly invested in small businesses and their employees.  

“Unfortunately, some members of the Appropriations Committee put politics in front of good policy—penalizing small businesses rather than helping them and their employees navigate Connecticut’s growing affordability crisis.  

“HB 5378 allows small businesses to come together, pool their risk, and purchase health insurance through a trade association or local chamber of commerce—essentially putting them on a level footing with large employers. 

“These types of health plans, which are generating significant savings in other states, represent a lifeline for employers and employees struggling with skyrocketing healthcare costs. 

“They are the difference between offering insurance for employees or not being able to afford anything. 

“Last month, dozens upon dozens of small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and chambers of commerce urged lawmakers to approve the legislation.  

“It is discouraging that the committee did not follow the Insurance Committee’s earlier lead and advance the proposal, despite the bill receiving bipartisan support. 

“Claims that these plans would offer lower quality benefits, discriminate based on health status or pre-existing conditions, or be financially vulnerable are simply not true.  

“It has been shown time and again that these plans are well regulated, comply with all state and federal rules and mandates under the Affordable Care Act, and offer the same-level or better plans than the ACA market.  

“There’s simply no excuse for this kind of misinformation to prevent a meaningful option for employers to do the right thing by their employees. 

“At a time when employers are being forced to choose between raising prices, cutting staff, reducing benefits, or dropping coverage, the time to act is now.  

“We want to thank the small business champions from both parties who recognize that this bill provided a critical option to help employers provide for their employees.  

“And for those legislators who say they support small businesses and their employees but voted against the bill—it’s clear their actions do not match their words.  

“Our small businesses and their employees deserve better from their policymakers so they can survive, compete, and grow.” 

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CBIA is Connecticut’s largest business organization, with thousands of member companies, small and large, representing a diverse range of industries from every part of the state. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).