The witnesses discussed reform proposals, including "employer mandates," which would require employers to provide coverage for their employees. The CHOICE bill would help small businesses offer health insurance through a refundable tax credit of 65%. The bill also minimizes risks for insurance companies by allowing small firms to pool their employees with those of other businesses in voluntary health cooperatives.

State: Connecticut AG Urges Gender Equity in Health Care Coverage
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has called for legislation "that would prohibit health insurers from using gender as a criterion for determining the rates that it charges consumers for individual health insurance," according to the AG's press release. AG Blumenthal and Teresa C. Younger, executive director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women testified before the Connecticut Insurance and Real Estate Committee for the bill.
The AG's web site notes a recent study by the National Women's Law Center that says women under age 40 pay between 6% and 48% more in individual health insurance costs than men."Discrimination should never be tolerated -- particularly in our health care system," Blumenthal was quoted in the press release. "The dubious divide in health care puts women at an unconscionable advantage, sometimes jeopardizing access to life-dependent health coverage."

Younger stated that, "this bill is an important step toward gender equity in the health care system. Women bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to paying for basic medical care. During our prime working years, we pay higher premiums than men do for the same coverage and often can't find coverage for maternity care. There are even cases where insurers will deny a woman coverage if she is a survivor of domestic abuse. All of this puts women at risk for poor or no coverage, and it has catastrophic effects on long-term asset-building. Women are far more likely to file bankruptcy as a result of medical debt."

Federal: Justice Department Reaches Settlement Regarding Conditions at Veterans Homes, Hospitals
The DOJ has recently announced several settlements with health care facilities accused of civil rights violations and unconstitutional conditions. One agreement was with the state of Georgia, regarding the conditions at the state's seven psychiatric hospitals. According to the press release, "Specifically, the State has agreed to undertake a variety of measures, including improving medical and mental health care and ensuring that patients are free from undue bodily restraint. The State will also improve discharge planning and ensure that each patient is served in the most integrated setting appropriate."

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