Senate Approves State Health Insurance Pooling Bill
07 05 08 - 13:13
By MARK PAZNIOKAS | Courant Staff Writer
May 7, 2008
The Senate voted early today to give final legislative approval to a Democratic bill permitting municipalities, nonprofits and small businesses to join the state employee health insurance pool.
Approval came at 1:51 a.m. on 22-12 vote. All 11 Republicans present opposed the measure, as did one Democrat, Joan Hartley of Waterbury. It now goes to Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
"I just think it is a great opportunity for the state," said House Majority Leader Chris Donovan, D- Meriden, a lead sponsor. "I hope she realizes it and supports it."
A progressive coalition backing the bill says that the greater buying power of the pool will save municipalities significant dollars in a year when the state has retreated from an earlier promise to boost some forms of state aid.
New Haven hopes to save $8.6 million.
The Rell administration is dubious.
Robert Genuario, the state budget director, warned legislators that his office's research sees added costs for the state and little or no savings for municipalities. Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, R-Fairfield, said the state pool can reject clients, so even if it sames some organizations money, it may drive up rates for those outside the pool.
"I don't believe a government-run health system is better than the market," McKinney said.
Labor unions rejoiced.
"Health-care pooling is a win-win situation," said Sal Luciano, executive director of Council 4, AFSCME. "It's a way to respond to soaring health care costs and to expand quality, affordable coverage to more citizens. It's a way to provide property-tax relief and protect services for the elderly and our kids."
Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said no one needs to fear the voluntary program.
"I think this is one of the top accomplishments of the session," Williams said.
The Senate resumes business at noon. The House is scheduled to come in at 10 a.m.
The constitutional adjournment deadline is midnight.