Connecticut Democrats plan to resurrect public option bill

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Democratic senators said Tuesday they plan to revisit legislation that could lead to a public health insurance option for individuals and small businesses in Connecticut.

The so-called “public option” bill, which would allow businesses and residents to buy into a state public health care plan, tops a list of health care proposals from Senate Democrats for the new legislative session, which convenes Feb. 5. While details were slim, proponents said the bill still has the goal of providing a lower-cost health insurance option.

“I think what we are looking at is allowing people the opportunity to buy the same health care that we get or a version of it,” said Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, co-chairman of the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee. He said proponents of the concept have refocused on including the different players in crafting this year’s bill.

Last year, legislative Democrats and Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont announced a plan for the “Connecticut Option” program late in the legislative session, predicting it would ultimately cost 20% less than current average market premium costs. Connecticut-based insurers, a key industry in the state, immediately voiced their opposition to the bill, predicting it would put Connecticut on the path toward government-run health insurance.

Senate Republicans voiced similar apprehensions on Tuesday.

“It could put Connecticut on a path toward doing away with private insurance, destroying the state’s health insurance industry and putting thousands of workers at risk of losing their jobs,” said Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, the top Republican on the General Assembly’s Insurance Committee.

Democratic senators unveiled other health care-related proposals as well. They include capping out-of-pocket insulin costs to $100 a month; allow individuals under age 26 to remain on their parents’ health insurance for dental and eye care coverage; finding ways to protect coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act; requiring timely notice of utility shut-offs; and requiring water bottlers to test their products for PFAS chemicals, as well as other measures to protect drinking water.