CT SB01004

Effective October 1, 2019, creates a new subdivision (2) of subsection (i) of section 5-259 to establish a public insurance option for small business employees, allowing the Comptroller to procure group hospitalization and medical and surgical insurance plans for small employers and their employees on a voluntary basis.

Small employer participation requires voluntary enrollment and mutual agreement between the employer and any employee organization, with neither party able to force binding arbitration except by mutual consent; no group of employees can be denied coverage based on past or future health care costs.

State administrative costs for small employer coverage cannot be paid by the state, state employee rates cannot be adversely affected, and participation duration is determined by mutual agreement between the small employer and the Comptroller.

Requires the Comptroller to submit an annual report to the General Assembly beginning February 1, 2020 on coverage of small employer employees under the new subdivision.

Amends section 38a-556a(b) to require a clearinghouse for information about health insurance options available to consumers, including the Municipal Employee Health Insurance Plan and any individual or small employer policies listed with the Connecticut Clearinghouse.