On state insurance

People are worried that a repeal of Obamacare would somehow mean that people with pre-existing conditions would somehow leave them with no insurance. Medicare has always been free of pre-existing condition clauses. People on Medicare do not have to worry about this issue

In Connecticut, we have been blessed by a legislature that has passed laws eliminating the possibility of being denied coverage because of pre-existing condition on group policies since 1986. Individual policies have had guaranteed issue without underwriting for many years, long before Obamacare. In fact many of the Obamacare rules and regulations have been in place here in Connecticut protecting people from adverse underwriting decisions for many years.

Understanding that insurance is regulated by each state is important. Connecticut has been a leader in protecting people’s right to buy good insurance policies. We have never had junk policies here in Connecticut in the past few decades. We have had unlimited maximums, and full preventative care coverage, mental health coverage and expanded coverages for all as long as I can remember.

Obamacare for many states who had lax insurance regulations are the ones who may have adverse consequences. States regulate insurance policies historically, Obamacare stepped over the line in trying to force all states to conform to federal regulations. Individual mandates, higher costs for most, and the expansion of Medicaid are the issues. Can the federal government overrule the states right to formulate and regulate insurance? We will see. Everyone is suing everyone over these issues.

People in Connecticut, don’t worry, the state has your back.