Active purchasing bill passes Senate

This afternoon the Connecticut State Senate passed SB-596, a bill directing Access Health CT, the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, to negotiate with insurers to keep premiums affordable for consumers and small businesses. Other states and most large employers negotiate with insurers to control costs. The bill passed 23 to 12 on a party line vote. Republicans offered five amendments to dilute or delay negotiation which were defeated. Advocates for consumers and small businesses supported the bill in testimony; insurers were opposed. The bill now travels to the House for a vote.