SustiNet plan approved by Public Health Committee

HB- 6600, An Act Concerning the SustiNet Plan, passed out of the Public Health Committee yesterday on a party line vote. SustiNet is the only comprehensive health care reform plan currently being considered in Connecticut. Concerns raised at the Committee meeting included the costs of the plan, merging state employees with Medicaid, and increasing Medicaid provider rates. The version of the bill that passed was modified after the public hearing to remove the limited medical malpractice relief for providers when they adhere to evidence based medicine, and changed in order that provisions with high costs will only be implemented when funds become available. Sen. Debicella, the most vocal critic of SustiNet, acknowledged at several points that the bill includes a large number of admirable provisions that he supports.
Ellen Andrews