Let’s focus on affordable solutions for health care

As an opponent for the State Senate race this November, I plan to specifically engage Kelly to work on his own voting history and statements. Several of his Republican colleagues were able to make their point outside of the partisan debate throughout his testimony. I was disappointed to note that parts of the speech appeared to be boilerplate talk.

To make his case, Kelly focuses on two main drivers of price increases: global inflation and what he sees as low and expensive government insurance expansion. According to him, “Government-run health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA system are not the gold standard. I’m curious how much private coverage recipients of these programs choose.

Kelly himself acknowledged that “Congress has acted to pass the Inflation Relief Act and to extend federal health care subsidies for three years.” While trying to downplay this as temporary, this legislative action is a big deal. That is. Average income households save an average of $10,660 Annual and middle-income individuals save $880 a year over those three years on the Connecticut Health Care Exchange.

Finding a comprehensive solution to affordable health care in Connecticut is complex. We need to push for transparency in pricing for healthcare providers, implement standards, and push for similar accountability measures for pharmaceuticals, making insurance companies work for the bottom line. Hospitals should not be charging hundreds of dollars for aspirin. Pharmaceutical companies should not raise the price of generic drugs that have been around for decades. Insurance companies should not increase rates by double digits relative to reported profits.

This period also calls for transparency in pricing in insurance. While the hearing focused on the percentage increases of the principals, the ratio of these rates to coverage should be quantified and examined. Erosion of benefits or increases in deductibles affect our residents’ finances and health just as much as increases in premiums, but those shifts can fly under the radar in hearings focused solely on cost.

Despite Kelly’s objections, affordable health care solutions can be achieved by increasing competition in limited markets such as generic drug billing. I agree with him that allowing the importation of Canadian pharmaceuticals makes sense for the same reason, but I disagree with his insistence on public opinion. It offers a competitive alternative in a limited market where small businesses and individuals have few options: a nonprofit public/private partnership that allows private insurers to manage the plan.

The Insurance Commission should reject these rates and pressure insurance companies to do their part to keep our state’s health care affordable. The Legislature must also do its part and focus on policy solutions that move banks away from partisanship, doom and gloom, and toward a healthier and more affordable future for our nation. If elected, I will work with anyone, regardless of party, who is truly committed to working for a brighter future for Connecticut.