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HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut municipalities may soon be able to offer their workers and retirees health insurance coverage under the state employee plan.
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 82-to-61 on Wednesday in favor of legislation that would require the state comptroller to offer non-state employees the opportunity to be pooled with the state employee plan, so long as certain requirements are met.
Besides municipal employees, other non-state organizations, including school boards, quasi-public agencies and public libraries would be eligible. The initiative is voluntary.
Public employee unions have voiced support for the legislation, which already cleared the Senate and now moves to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's desk. They contend the state insurance plan costs less than most compatible plans available to municipalities.
Opponents argue municipalities have plenty of group insurance options.
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