SB 3 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY.

SB 3 requires the state to cover the full cost of health care premium increases for people enrolled in Access Health CT who have household incomes between 500% and 600% of the federal poverty level. This directly affects moderate-income residents who rely on Access Health CT for health insurance, ensuring they do not face higher out-of-pocket costs due to premium hikes. The bill mandates a state appropriation from the General Fund to pay for these increases, rather than shifting the cost to enrollees. It aims to maintain affordability amid federal subsidy reductions, without creating new programs or altering eligibility criteria.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Apr 20, 2026

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What changed between versions

Proposed Bill → Committee Bill · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was referred to a different committee and introduced by a new set of sponsors. The core policy shifted from a direct appropriation to cover premium increases to the creation of a new 'Connecticut Affordable Health Care Trust Fund' funded by a $200 million transfer from a federal cuts response fund. This new fund is intended to support an affordable health program, though the specific program details appear to be defined in a subsequent section of the act.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include the establishment of a new permanent trust fund and the repeal of a previous statute to incorporate this new fund into the state's official list of trust funds.

FISCAL

Established the Connecticut Affordable Health Care Trust Fund to receive deposits and manage funds for affordable health care.

Mandated a $200 million transfer from the Federal Cuts Response Fund to the new Trust Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

Removed the original provision requiring a direct appropriation from the General Fund to cover premium increases.

REQUIREMENT

Added detailed provisions for the Treasurer to invest the Trust Fund assets and manage its operations.

TECHNICAL

Repealed and replaced a section of the general statutes to officially include the new Trust Fund in the state's list of trust funds.

Changed the bill's metadata, including the committee referral, LCO number, and list of sponsoring legislators.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable

upper

Apr 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

IMMEDIATE TRANSMITTAL TO COMMITTEE

upper

Apr 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. ADOPTED SEN. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable

upper

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services

upper

Mar 11, 2026

Upper · Passed

DRAFTED BY COMMITTEE

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services

upper

43 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role

Legislator

Party

State

District