Bill > HB05041

This bill aims to expand health care coverage by implementing several provisions, including studying the feasibility of a "Connecticut Option program" designed to lower health insurance premiums through various cost-saving measures and potentially utilizing federal waivers. It also mandates that health benefit plans must offer generic drugs and biosimilars with lower out-of-pocket costs than their brand-name counterparts, provided they are cheaper, and prohibits restricting pharmacy choices for these medications. Additionally, the bill establishes a tax credit for qualified small businesses that offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements, which are accounts that help employees pay for health insurance, and introduces a system for "portable benefit accounts" where employers can contribute to accounts for eligible workers to purchase health insurance and related expenses. Finally, it modifies the existing "Covered Connecticut program" to continue providing premium and cost-sharing subsidies for certain low-income individuals and families, with provisions for adding dental and non-emergency medical transportation services and exploring federal waivers to maximize funding and potentially establish a basic health plan.

Health and Social Services

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05041&which_year=2026