Health Insurance Advisory Council bill hearing tomorrow

Tomorrow the Insurance and Real Estate Committee will hold a public hearing on SB-957, An Act Establishing a Health Insurance Advisory Council. The bill would create a public, transparent Council to advise the state on regulating insurance, promoting affordable coverage, network adequacy, and implementing the important consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act. Council members would include advocates for the uninsured, Medicaid, labor, providers, brokers, insurance companies, small businesses, and relevant state agencies. January 1st of next year, every state resident will be required to secure health coverage. RAND estimates that 270,000 will be purchasing health insurance in Connecticut -- 140,000 of them without any federal subsidies. It is critical that people get the best price possible for coverage is meaningful and effective in improving people’s health and protecting their finances. The Council will bring public attention, education and wisdom to the table to ensure Connecticut realizes every possible benefit from the ACA’s opportunities.