Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell recently vetoed House Bill 5536, An Act Establishing the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership (the "Bill"), which is intended to achieve savings for Connecticut municipalities, nonprofit groups and small employers with 50 employees or less by allowing them to join the current state employees' health insurance program. Becoming part of a larger purchasing entity would enable municipalities, nonprofit groups and small employers to purchase health insurance at more affordable rates than they could obtain on their own. While Governor Rell praised the concept behind the Bill, she expressed concern that the current version of the bill would not achieve the intended cost savings or increase the number of insureds in Connecticut and could result in substantial tax increases. She is hopeful that legislative leaders and supporters of the Bill will work with her Administration to develop a revised proposal for the next legislative session.

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