The Courant Asks: "Should Gov. Rell Veto Health Care Bill?"

And we answer NO.

There is an article in today's Hartford Courant about a health care bill (HB-5536 An Act Establishing the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership) that passed through the legislature with no Republican support and would allow smaller groups like municipalities, non-profits and small businesses to participate in the state's health insurance pool. Governor Rell is considering a veto, and the Hartford Courant wants to know what you think.

Click here and vote no in the Hartford Courant poll asking "Should Gov. Rell Veto the Bill?"

Governor Rell should sign HB-5536. State Employee Unions have supported HB-5536 because it would provide for increased negotiating leverage with the insurance companies (leading to lower rates for all participants) and because allowing municipalities and small businesses to participate brings more affordable healthcare and health security to Connecticut families.

One of the state's largest participating insurers, Anthem, has warned that HB-5536 will force its hand and result in a $24 million increase at the start of the new fiscal year this July 1st. The Hartford Courant report today highlights a legal opinion to be issued by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, countering that veiled threat:

The Republican governor is concerned because insurers want to raise rates for the whole pool if it is opened to municipalities and others, and the deficit-ridden state wants to avoid paying higher premiums for its workers.

Blumenthal, who was asked for a legal opinion by House Majority Leader Christopher G. Donovan of Meriden, says neither the state nor insurers can unilaterally change the existing three-year contracts. The contracts keep rates for state employees the same as they are now for the state fiscal year starting July 1, and insurers had also agreed to various caps on rate increases in the following two fiscal years.

Supplemental links to other blogs and local media that have reported on HB-5536: