STATE OF CONNECTICUT
NANCY WYMAN COMPTROLLER	OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER 55 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1775	MARK OJAKIAN DEPUTY COMPTROLLER

State Comptroller Nancy Wyman today announced that a bill to allow small businesses to buy health insurance for their workers through a state program has been signed into law by the Governor.

The bill allows businesses of 50 employees or fewer to participate in the Municipal Employee's Health Insurance Plan - MEHIP - a purchasing cooperative managed by the Comptroller's office. There will be no expense to Connecticut taxpayers because all costs are paid by the business through premiums.

"This is a victory for thousands of hard-working men and women employed by small businesses who may not be able to afford traditional health coverage," Wyman said. "Small businesses are the engine of Connecticut's economy and I am delighted that state government is able to help them and their employees."

Governor John G. Rowland signed the bill on June 26. Wyman said she expects to begin enrolling businesses by September, after negotiations with the state's insurance carriers are completed.

Wyman also thanked several members of the General Assembly, both Republican and Democrat, who submitted legislation relating to allowing small businesses into MEHIP - including Rep. Steve Fontana, Senator Donald DeFronzo, Senator Gary LeBeau and Senator Joseph Crisco.

The State Comptroller appreciates input on this and other issues from residents of the state. Please feel free to contact her office by phone - (860) 702-3300; mail - OSC, 55 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106; or, via E-mail - osc.opinions@po.state.ct.us

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