Substitute House Bill No. 7115 seeks to enhance the Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark Program by revising the reporting requirements for payers of self-funded employee health plans. Key insertions in the bill include a structured process for payers to provide opt-in forms to employers, enabling them to submit their self-funded health plan data. Payers are mandated to report aggregated data, including total health care expenditures and primary care spending, to the commissioner, with the first submission due by January 31, 2026. The bill also stipulates that no costs or fees may be imposed on employers for including their self-funded data in the aggregate reporting, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in health care spending.

Additionally, the bill repeals and replaces certain existing provisions, including subsection (a) of section 19a-754j, to establish a framework for the commissioner to conduct annual public hearings on health care expenditure growth. It allows the commissioner to require participation from key contributors to health care cost growth and mandates their testimony on cost mitigation efforts. The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance with reporting requirements, including a fine of up to $10 per covered individual for failing to provide the required opt-in form to employers. Overall, these revisions aim to improve the efficiency of the state's health care system while ensuring that employers have the option to participate in data reporting for their self-funded plans.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
INS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 472: