Ahead Of Hearing, Scanlon Blasts 20% Insurance Rate Increase Request

HARTFORD, CT —State Rep. Sean Scanlon called on the Connecticut Department of Insurance to reject proposed health insurance rate hikes in testimony submitted to the department in advance of its public hearing on the topic Monday.

In July, Connecticut health insurers – including Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and ConnectiCare – filed new rates with the Department of Insurance for certain health insurance plans. On average, the cost of coverage plans would rise by an average of 20.4 percent.

In his written testimony, Scanlon said approval of these cost increases would “unjustifiably” force countless Connecticut families to give up their vital health coverage.

This is his statement:

The last few years have been difficult for most Connecticut families – an unending pandemic, global economic instability, and daily questions about whether to pay for medicine or food. They simply cannot afford these health care costs. These rate hikes send a concerning message to Connecticut families: That health insurance companies are getting out of the risk business and pushing any shred of financial threat on to their own customers rather than finding ways to reduce costs.

Growing up, I was raised by a single mother who ran a small business and rarely had insurance. I lived the reality of her being forced to put off medical care and struggle to afford basic prescriptions. If these rates are approved, there will be thousands of people like her who will be faced with the impossibly cruel choice of deciding whether to become uninsured because they simply can’t afford yet another increase.

The hard-working people of Connecticut deserve better, and I urge the Connecticut Department of Insurance to reject these entirely. Our friends, loved ones, and neighbors literally can’t afford them.