Hetherington: Healthcare ‘Pooling’’ Bill Has Unknown Costs Taxpayers Pick Up Risk

HARTFORD – Connecticut will assume an undetermined risk by becoming a self-insurer for healthcare insurance covering thousands of state workers, plus an unknown number of municipal workers, and non-profits, State Rep. John Hetherington said today, and taxpayers will have to pay at least an additional $70 million a year.

Hetherington opposed the so-called “pooling’’ and non-profits and private companies as posing massive risk that has not been reviewed by actuarial experts.

“We are taking huge risks that have not been analyzed. We don’t have idea how many people will be able to participate One thing is certain though if we open up the state health care plan to thousands and thousands of more people: Taxpayers will foot the bill of at least $70 million a year,’’ Hetherington said.

He said the bill approved by the House is another step toward universal healthcare, although this bill will not actually cover anyone who currently does not have health insurance.
“Towns and cities currently offer healthcare,’’ he added.

According to the state comptroller, insurance claims are now running nearly 6 percent higher than when Connecticut contracted with its four insurance carriers.