Friday, April 18, 2003
State Watch
The Connecticut Senate on April 15 voted 23-11 to approve legislation (SB 71) that would permit the creation of medical savings accounts, to which residents could to contribute more than $2,000 per year tax-free if the money is used to pay for health care costs, the Hartford Courant reports. Connecticut is one of a few states that do not permit use of MSAs. State Senate Republican Leader Louis DeLuca, who has supported MSAs, said Connecticut will now be able to offer residents an alternative way to obtain health insurance. But opponents, including former state Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen (D), contend that "younger and healthier" residents would establish MSAs, which would increase health insurance premiums for older and less healthy residents, the Courant reports. Sen. Thomas Colapietro (D), who voted against the bill, said MSAs are useful only "[a]s long as you've got money ... I don't think it's a good deal for the average person." A spokesperson for Gov. John Rowland (R) said he is waiting for the House to take action on the bill before he takes a position (Keating, Hartford Courant, 4/16).
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