Republicans offer health insurance alternative to Lembo's public option

Journal Inquirer (Manchester, CT)

Mar. 12—HARTFORD — Republican lawmakers are proposing their own health care bill that aims to reduce the cost of health insurance, make prescription drugs more affordable, and protect jobs they claim would be lost if a public option were implemented.

The proposal, however, relies in part on purchasing pharmaceuticals from Canada, which would require federal approval.

Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, admitted that relying on federal approval is an obstacle.

"Whenever you're dependent on the federal government, there's always a concern," he said.

Republicans also hope to implement a benchmarking program similar to one that has significantly reduced health care costs in Massachusetts compared to the national rate.

Under the bill, the system would set an annual health care cost growth benchmark and a primary care target, which Republicans say will control costs and provide quality care.

It also would rely on a reinsurance provision within the Affordable Care Act that would provide guarantees to insurance companies that if their costs of paying for health care claims exceed a specified amount, they will receive assistance paying those claims.

Republicans say the provision could reduce premiums by up to 30%.

Kelly said the proposal is a "pro-job, pro-family, pro-Connecticut plan that basically fulfills the promises made by the Affordable Care Act."

Unlike when the Affordable Care Act was implemented, Republicans say people will be able to maintain their current health care providers.

"People are going to be able to keep their doctor, keep their health plan, and their insurance carrier that they are familiar with," Kelly said.

Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, the ranking member of the legislature's Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said the Affordable Care Act "failed" to live up to the promises made, adding that the Republican plan relies on proven experience in other states.

"We want to have a plan that works for people," he said. "It's not just about the idea of access to health care. We had that experience with the Affordable Care Act."

While Comptroller Kevin Lembo is proposing a public option, Kelly said health care is becoming unaffordable because of the high cost of services, not insurance, and argued that the reinsurance provision would lower the cost of care and use the savings to sustain the program.

Republicans argue a public option would create competition between the state and insurance companies, leading to job losses in the industry, and their proposal would protect those jobs.

"The public option is designed to be disruptive to the private insurance market," Kelly said, adding that "it doesn't deliver on the promise."

Furthermore, Kelly said the Republican plan would focus on equity, and benchmarking would be focused on patients.

"We are not going to leave people behind," he said. "We don't want to do this at someone else's expense."

During session, Eric can be found at the Capitol in Hartford, reporting the information that readers want and need to know. For insights and updates on legislation, politicians, committees, and commissions that affect the entire state of Connecticut, follow Eric on Twitter: @BednerEric.

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