Senator Hwang to Host Forum on Insurance Rate Increases at Sacred Heart U

From the Connecticut General Assembly:

On Tuesday, August 2, Sen. Tony Hwang is hosting an informational forum on Connecticut’s proposed health insurance and long term care rate increases.

The forum will take place from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart University’s Schine Auditorium (below the library building), 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield.

The event will feature a panel discussion with guest speakers including insurance and health care policy experts. The public will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Sen. Hwang is encouraging rate payers to speak out about potential double-digit increases in health care insurance rates.

Public hearings on the potential hikes will take place in Hartford on August 3 and 4.

“Average increases on individual and small group employer plans in Connecticut could be as high as 28 percent among plans that cover thousands of workers and their families,” Sen. Hwang said. “That’s outrageous, that’s unaffordable, and that’s why people need to know how to weigh in.”

Comments can be registered with the state Insurance Department here.

Sen. Hwang has also posted a testimony link at www.SenatorHwang.com .

Sen. Hwang has proposed that Connecticut change the specific definitions of what would disqualify insurers from excessive increases. Sen. Hwang has also called for mandatory state public hearings when proposed health insurance rate increases exceed 10 percent. Democrats and Republicans supported those proposals, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy vetoed the legislation.

Sen. Hwang is also urging area residents to contact him with their thoughts and concerns about the potential rate hikes at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov .

The Aug. 2 informational forum is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact 800-842-1421.

*Sen. Hwang represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport

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