The Herald endorses Health Care Partnership

The editorial page of The Herald has endorsed the House-passed Health Care Partnership Act that would let cities and towns and others participate voluntarily in the state's health insurance pool.

Adopted in up to 20 other states the pooling proposal has gained support for the comprehensive coverage it would provide to employees at considerably lower premiums. Along with rising energy and electricity costs, health coverage has been the fastest-growing expense for local governments. Unsurprisingly, Mayor Stewart is an outspoken opponent of the measure.

The partnership legislation, along with the Sustinet health insurance reform bill, faces hurdles in the state Senate and a veto threat from Gov. Rell. Rell, in vetoing the partnership bill last year, left room for compromise or re-consideration.

For proponents, it boils down to a choice between the profits and dominance of private health insurances versus a state pooling option that can bring savings to taxpayers and good coverage for participants.

Speaker of the House Chris Donovan's office has estimated a potential savings for the City of New Britain of up to $900,000.