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SB 183

AN ACT PROHIBITING HEALTH INSURERS FROM REQUIRING SPOUSES OF COVERED EMPLOYEES TO OBTAIN SEPARATE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henri Martin

Connecticut law would prohibit insurers from requiring employees' spouses to obtain separate health coverage instead of joining family plans.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Insurance and Real Estate
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Bill Summary · SB 183

Legislative bill overview

SB 183 prohibits health insurers from mandating that spouses of covered employees purchase separate individual health insurance policies. The bill ensures that spouses can remain on a family or dependent plan without being forced into independent coverage arrangements. This applies to all health insurance plans offered in Connecticut.

Why is this important

Currently, some insurers use "spouse carve-out" or "spousal surcharge" policies that effectively require working spouses to obtain their own coverage rather than be added to a family plan, even when the spouse has access to employer coverage. This bill directly addresses whether insurers can use plan design as a mechanism to shift coverage costs and administrative burdens onto employees and their families, affecting healthcare access and affordability for Connecticut households with two working spouses.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurer cost concerns: Insurance companies may argue that forcing inclusion of spouses increases premiums for all plan participants and limits their ability to manage risk pools and costs through plan design flexibility
  • Employer plan design authority: Employers may contend this restricts their ability to structure benefits strategically, particularly regarding cost-sharing between companies when both spouses have access to employer coverage
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes an impermissible requirement versus legitimate plan design distinctions may need clarification to avoid unintended consequences or litigation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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