Small Business Employee Healthcare Bill Faces Uncertain Future

A critical bill providing small business employees with affordable, high-quality healthcare plans is in doubt after a legislative committee failed to act on any legislation.

The Insurance and Real Estate Committee failed to favorably report any legislation raised this session before its March 21 deadline, effectively killing every bill.

HB 5247, which has broad bipartisan support, received the most attention during the committee’s public hearing process, with more than 50 small employers and trade associations testifying in support.

The bill allowed trade associations and chambers of commerce to aggregate their membership and offer self-funded health benefit plans regulated by the Connecticut Insurance Department.