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Bill

HB 5382

AN ACT REQUIRING THE COMPTROLLER TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Delnicki and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut Comptroller must study health insurance coverage costs and gaps for retired police and firefighters to inform future policy recommendations.

REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/18/26
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Bill Summary · HB 5382

Legislative bill overview

HB 5382 directs Connecticut's Comptroller to conduct a comprehensive study examining health insurance coverage options and costs for retired police officers and firefighters. The bill seeks to gather data on current coverage arrangements, identify gaps, and potentially recommend policy improvements for this specific population of public servants.

Why is this important

Retired first responders face significant healthcare costs in the years before Medicare eligibility, and inadequate coverage can create financial hardship for individuals who sustained occupational injuries or health conditions. The study could inform future legislative decisions about state-funded or state-subsidized health benefits, which has direct budget implications and affects recruitment/retention of public safety personnel.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Any recommendations emerging from this study could lead to expanded state benefits programs, potentially increasing government spending and requiring tax increases or budget reallocation
  • Scope and comparison: Debate may arise over whether the study should include all public employees or focus solely on first responders, and how findings compare to private sector retiree benefits
  • Implementation timeline: The study's cost, duration, and whether its recommendations will be binding or advisory could become contentious, along with questions about whether findings will lead to immediate legislative action

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

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