CT HB06323

Removes marriage and residency requirements for dependent child health insurance coverage, extending coverage to age 26 for individual and group health plans.

Eliminates lifetime dollar limits on essential health benefits as defined by the Affordable Care Act, while allowing limits on non-essential benefits capped at minimum of $1 million per individual.

Prohibits preexisting condition exclusions for individuals age 18 and younger, and limits exclusion periods to 12 months maximum for all covered individuals.

Establishes the Connecticut Health Partnership Exchange as an independent public agency with an 11-member board to offer qualified health plans to individuals and small employers starting January 1, 2014, with authority to award Navigator grants and coordinate with federal and state agencies.

Requires insurers offering plans through the exchange to meet transparency, quality, and accreditation standards, offer plans at silver and gold coverage levels, and submit premium increase justifications before implementation.