Malloy Sharply Critical of Insurance Mandate

June 03--Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is striking back against an amendment to a healthcare bill that cleared the state Senate on a unanimous vote early Friday.

Malloy does not oppose to the specifics of the bill, which would enshrine the women's and children's health provisions of the Affordable Care Act into state law. The Democratic governor has long been opposed to efforts by President Trump and Republicans in Congress to roll back the landmark law and he backs efforts to ensure those benefits are preserved at the state level.

But Malloy objects to the amendment that requires insurers to provide prenatal coverage to women who lack insurance within 30 days having their pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional. He said it signifies "a blatant disdain" for the insurance industry.

"Yet again, the state Senate turned a deaf ear on the insurance industry and completely disregarded informed input on this topic," Malloy said.

"By amending Senate Bill 586 -- which is a laudable bill and one that I support -- with a brand new mandate, the end result will mean higher premiums for customers both on and off the exchange," he said. "In short, they took a good bill and essentially sank it. It's a shame for Connecticut consumers, and it's an inexcusable action by policymakers who continue to disregard the perspective of major employers in the state."

Malloy said he is worried about the impact such a requirement could have on Connecticut's insurers. "This is an industry that has a big part of our labor market and I want them to understand that people are hearing them," Malloy said.

Republicans said they were perplexed by Malloy's unusually strong statement.

"I don't understand where he's coming from on this at all," said Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, "especially since he's always attacked Republicans as anti-women and the point of this bill is to protect pregnant women."

Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney observed that "there is a great deal about the legislative process that is fluid and situational. An opponent on one issue might be a critical ally on another, as long as the personal relationship is not undermined," he said.

The bill cleared the Senate on a bipartisan, unanimous vote and is now pending in the House. The legislative session will adjourn on June 7.

___

(c)2017 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.)

Visit The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) at www.courant.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.