Connecticut

Governor Vetoes Two Health Reform Bills, Legislature Overrides SustiNet Veto

July 22, 2009 – Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell vetoed two bills that would have created a "public plan" for state residents and an option for non-state employers to buy-in to the state employee plan. On July 8th, the Governor vetoed the SustiNet Plan bill (HB 6600) that established the SustiNet Health Partnership Board to make recommendations on the creation of a public, self-insured health plan for all state residents and the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill (HB 6582) that would have allowed non-state public employers, municipal employers, non-profit employers, and small employers to buy-in to the state employee benefit plan. On July 20th, the Legislature voted to override the Governor's veto of the SustiNet Plan bill, but failed to overturn the veto of the Healthcare Partnership bill.

Governor Weighing Two Health Reform Bills Passed by the Legislature

June 30, 2009 – Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell is currently considering whether to sign or veto two health reform bills passed by the Legislature. The Connecticut Healthcare Partnership bill (HB 6582) allows non-state public employers, municipal employers, non-profit employers, and small employers to buy into the state employee benefit plan beginning in 2010. The SustiNet Plan bill (HB 6600) establishes the SustiNet Health Partnership Board of Directors which is to make recommendations by 2011 on the creation of a public self-insured health plan that would provide residents with access to timely, affordable, high-quality care. The Board is to make recommendations regarding: 1) contracts with insurers or other entities for administrative purposes, 2) the solicitation of bids from health care providers, 3) the establishment of deductibles, standard benefit packages and cost-sharing levels for different providers, 4) the implementation of an individual mandate paired with guaranteed issue, 5) the elimination of preexisting condition exclusions, 6) the implementation of auto-enrollment in the plan, 7) the use of reinsurance or stop-loss coverage, 8) the feasibility of funding premium subsidies for individuals with incomes between 300 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and 9) the establishment of a clearinghouse to provide information about SustiNet and private health care plans.

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