Insurance and Real Estate Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-843
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF INSURANCE IN THIS STATE.
Vote Date: 3/22/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/9/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
Thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Insurance and Real Estate Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
The bill will provide that certain health carriers shall offer Medicare supplement insurance
policies and certificates for plan "D" to persons eligible for Medicare by reason of disability,
and may deliver Medicare supplement insurance policies and certificates for plan "D" to
qualified Medicare beneficiaries. This will help Medicare beneficiaries afford necessary
medical expenses. The bill will also amend certain provisions of the general statutes to more
closely conform to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, P.L. 114-10.
The bill will extend the sunset date for personal risk insurance rate filings, which will benefit
consumers by increasing competition among insurers and therefore reducing costs. The bill
will also eliminate the territorial cap on increases for personal risk insurance rate filings.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
American Property Casualty Insurance Association: The APCIA testified that flex-rating
should be extended and made permanent. They state that flex-rating increases competition,
contains premium growth, and benefits consumers.
Eric George, President, Insurance Association of Connecticut: Mr. George testified that
SB 843 will allow insurers to continue flex-rating, a practice which benefits consumers by
encouraging insurers to set low prices to compete with each other.
Hrant Jamgochian, Chief Executive Officer, Dialysis Patient Citizens: Mr. Jamgochian
testified that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients need supplemental insurance to help
pay for co-pays as well as to get listed for a kidney transplant. SB 843 will give more ESRD
patients access to Medigap Plan D, allowing them to get kidney transplants that will
significantly increase their life expectancy.
Melanie Lynn Lendnal, Director of State Policy and Advocacy, American Kidney Fund:
Ms. Lendnal testified that people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) often need Medicare
Supplement plans to afford cost-deductibles and co-pays, and SB 843 will ensure that ESRD
patients are offered the Medigap plan they need.
Judith A. Stein, Executive Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy: Ms. Stein testified
that a change in federal law has made it so those who become eligible for Medicare due to
disabilities after January 1, 2020 no longer have access to Medigap Plan C. Connecticut
Insurance regulations indicate that Medigap Plan C is to be reclassified as D. Ms. Stein
states that the corresponding change to the Connecticut General Statutes in SB 843 is
necessary to ensure that companies are required to offer Medigap Plan D. Ms. Stein also
recommends a language change to clarify that Plan C is only for those who became eligible
for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Thomas Tesla, Shelton CT: Mr. Tesla testified No to SB-843.
Reported by: Mallory Ferrick Date: March 30, 2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-843


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
INS Joint Favorable:
File No. 315: