An Act Concerning Health Insurance Premiums For Members Of Volunteer Fire Departments And Volunteer Ambulance Services.
Summary
HB 6973 would amend Connecticut General Statutes section 7-464 to allow towns, cities, and boroughs that already provide health, accident, and hospital coverage to their employees to extend the same type of coverage to active members of volunteer fire companies, volunteer fire departments, and volunteer ambulance services within the municipality. The bill does not require municipalities to offer this coverage, but permits them to do so if they choose.
Under the bill, a volunteer member could enroll only if they elect coverage, pay a negotiated percentage of the premium plus any additional costs, and meet the municipality’s active-status requirements. The measure is framed as a premium-sharing arrangement rather than a fully subsidized benefit, and it would take effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
The bill would modify municipal authority under section 7-464 by expressly authorizing local governments to include volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance personnel in employee health insurance arrangements. It would not mandate a new statewide benefit, but it would expand the class of eligible participants in municipal group health plans and could affect local budgeting, labor/benefits administration, and volunteer recruitment and retention. The practical impact would depend on whether individual towns, cities, or boroughs choose to adopt such coverage and on the negotiated premium share.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable committee sentiment: the Insurance and Real Estate Committee reported the bill Joint Favorably by a 12-1 vote. With no transcript excerpts available, there is no detailed record of debate, but the strong committee vote indicates broad support for helping volunteer emergency responders access health coverage through municipal plans.
Contention
The main policy issue appears to be whether municipalities should be authorized to extend employee health benefits to volunteers and how much of the premium volunteers should bear. Support is implied for recognizing the service of volunteer fire and ambulance members and improving recruitment or retention, while any opposition likely centers on cost, fairness, and the extent of municipal discretion in offering benefits. The bill addresses these concerns by making coverage optional for municipalities and requiring volunteers to pay a negotiated share of the premium.