Cohen Proposes Public Option Bill for Small Businesses, Employees

From CT House: State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) proposed a bill which will enable small business employees in the state to purchase health insurance in collaboration with the state employee plan.

This public option will provide relief for small businesses and affordable health care choices for their employees.

“As a small business owner myself, I know all too well the high costs associated with health insurance and what that does to a bottom line,” said Sen. Cohen. “Burdens can vary from business to business, but in speaking with many area partnerships and corporations, one common encumbrance was clear - the cost of insurance. This bill would alleviate some of that expense while offering, in many cases, superior coverage. Additionally, the hope would be to potentially provide coverage to people who have never been covered before or encourage those to seek medical treatment they may have foregone.”

This proposed public option will do the following:

· Help small businesses lower operating costs (less expensive fringe benefits).

· Improve the quality of health care small businesses in Connecticut can offer their employees.

· Create incentive for businesses to operate in Connecticut.

· Make Connecticut small businesses more attractive and competitive to workers.

· Decrease the state’s healthcare costs for its own employees by increasing the buying power of its health plan.

The Insurance Committee voted to draft the bill during their meeting held on Thursday, January, 24.

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