An Act Concerning Assessments And User Fees Charged To Health Carriers By The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange.
Summary
SB 341 would amend Connecticut law governing the state health insurance exchange to require legislative approval before the exchange can change any existing assessment or user fee charged to health carriers, or impose any new assessment or user fee on them. In practical terms, the bill would place an additional check on the exchange’s authority to set or adjust charges that help fund its operations.
The measure is focused on the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, which operates under section 38a-1081 of the general statutes. By tying fee changes to legislative approval, the bill would shift some control over exchange financing from the exchange’s administrative process to the General Assembly, potentially affecting how the exchange budgets, raises revenue, and responds to changing costs.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend section 38a-1083 of the general statutes to limit the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange’s ability to independently modify assessments or user fees charged to health carriers. Any increase, decrease, or new fee would require approval from the legislature first. This would affect health carriers subject to exchange charges and could alter the exchange’s funding flexibility and administrative autonomy.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or votes were provided, so there is no recorded public debate or vote history to indicate support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears to reflect a policy preference for greater legislative oversight of exchange-imposed fees rather than a change in coverage or benefits.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the balance between legislative oversight and administrative flexibility. Supporters may favor requiring elected approval before fees are changed, while opponents may argue that the exchange needs the ability to adjust assessments quickly to meet operating needs without additional legislative delay. The affected parties would primarily be the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange, lawmakers, and health carriers that pay the assessments or user fees.