House Expected to Vote This Morning on Health Insurance Bill
23 04 08 - 11:34
The state House of Representatives is planning to vote this morning on a plan that would permit municipalities, some contractors, nonprofit organizations and small businesses to provide health insurance to their workers under the plan that now covers state employees.
The new entrants would be charged the same premiums now charged to state employees, would be permitted to require employee contributions to defray costs, and would be required to enroll in the plan for three years, with an option to renew for another three-year period afterward, according to an analysis of the bill.
The so-called "pooling" proposal is the primary offering from House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D-Meriden, and is expected to be the first bill called by the House when it convenes around 11 a.m. If passed by the House, the measure would still require approval from the Senate, and from Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has been cool to Democratic healthcare proposals in the past.