CT HB05378

Authorizes self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) in Connecticut effective January 1, 2027, allowing sponsoring associations with at least 500 employees across 25+ employer members to form trusts offering health benefit plans to participating employers

Requires MEWA trusts to obtain licenses from the Insurance Commissioner and comply with health insurance company requirements, including maintaining reserves, purchasing stop-loss and fiduciary liability insurance, and filing annual Form M-1 reports with the U.S. Department of Labor

Mandates health benefit plans offer coverage at minimum actuarial values of 60%, 68%, and 78%, prohibit preexisting condition exclusions, use modified community rating for base rates, and make plans available to all participating employers regardless of health status

Exempts MEWA trusts from the Connecticut Insurance Guaranty Association, premium taxes, and certain health and public health fees, while requiring participating employers to be jointly and severally liable for trust deficits

Directs the Office of Policy and Management to study feasibility of a "Connecticut Option" standardized health benefit plan and MEWAs, with interim report due January 15, 2027 and final report due January 31, 2028