Sen. Gordon Supports Bipartisan Measure for Affordable Health Insurance Options for Small Businesses, Nonprofits

February 21, 2023

Sen. Gordon Supports Bipartisan Measure for Affordable Health Insurance Options  for Small Businesses, Nonprofits - CT Senate Republic

Measure will create affordable healthcare options for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

 

 

State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) today joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and a coalition of business groups, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations to support legislation offering healthcare relief for struggling small businesses in Connecticut.

 

H.B. 6710 allows small employers to pool together to jointly purchase large group health insurance plans directly from a carrier, making health insurance more affordable and accessible. Small employers with less than 51 employees cannot currently access the large group market.

 

Many of these employers are increasingly moving to level-funded and self-funded arrangements due to the small group market’s rapidly increasing premiums and limited health benefits.

 

Under this bill, groups can negotiate directly with an insurance company to design a plan that meets their needs with lower administrative costs, rating flexibility, and increased buying power.

 

The bill also allows trade and industry associations of significant scale to offer self-funded insurance plans regulated by the Connecticut Insurance Department and subject to the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential health benefits and state-mandated benefits.

 

These plans will help improve patient outcomes, incentivize healthy lifestyles, and keep healthcare costs down.

 

“Small businesses are the backbone of Connecticut’s economy, driving job growth and innovation. By removing barriers to affordable healthcare options, this bill empowers small businesses to continue doing what they do best: creating jobs and supporting their employees,” said Senator Gordon.

 

“Currently, hard-working employees across the state are burdened by high-deductible plans that require thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, making healthcare unaffordable for the middle class. As a doctor, I see the effects as many patients under such plans are avoiding important healthcare services or procedures for fear of cost. This measure offers a collaborative solution that benefits both small businesses and their employees, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity in our communities. I applaud the bipartisan effort in both chambers to prioritize the needs of small businesses and families,” he said.

 

Organizations supporting H.B. 6710:

 

— CBIA

— The Credit Union League of Connecticut

— The Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance

— National Federation of Independent Business

— Connecticut Restaurant Association

— Connecticut Brewers Guild

— Berlin Chamber of Commerce

— Bristol Chamber of Commerce

— Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce

— Farmington Chamber of Commerce

— Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce

— Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

— Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce

— Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce

— Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

— Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce

— Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce

— Mystic Chamber of Commerce

— Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce

— Plainville Chamber of Commerce

— Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

— Quinnipiac Valley Chamber of Commerce

— Windham County Chamber of Commerce

— Wolcott Chamber of Commerce