Substitute House Bill No. 6999 mandates a study by the Comptroller, in collaboration with various state agencies and trade associations, to evaluate the costs and benefits of allowing trade associations to pool their memberships for the purpose of sponsoring group health insurance plans through a multiple employer welfare arrangement. The study, which must be completed by February 1, 2026, will include details such as the number of employees covered, estimated premiums, contributions to health savings accounts, and legislative recommendations. Importantly, the report will not disclose any identifying information about the organizations involved. The bill also amends Section 3-123xxx of the general statutes to require nonstate public employers to submit annual reports detailing their health care plans and retirement benefits, with the Comptroller providing an annual summary and analysis of this information starting January 1, 2026.

The effective date for the study provision is immediate upon passage, while the amendments to the reporting requirements will take effect on October 1, 2025. House Amendment "A" adds the study requirement and includes the Insurance Committee among the entities receiving the annual report. The bill emphasizes the need for collaboration with the Office of Policy and Management, the Insurance Department, and selected trade and professional associations to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis. The existing requirement for nonstate public employers to submit their health care plan information by October 1 each year remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in reporting practices.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 3-123xxx
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 3-123xxx
File No. 316: 3-123xxx
File No. 975: 3-123xxx