On Tuesday, Aug. 2, Senator Tony Hwang  hosted an informational forum on Connecticut’s proposed health insurance and long term care rate increases at Sacred Heart University’s Schine Auditorium at  5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield.

Senator Hwang is encouraged rate payers to speak out about potential double-digit increases in health care insurance rates. Public hearings on the potential hikes will take place in Hartford on August 3 and 4.  “Average increases on individual and small group employer plans in Connecticut could be as high as 28 percent among plans that cover thousands of workers and their families,” Senator Hwang said. “That’s outrageous, that’s unaffordable, and that’s why people need to know howto weigh in.”

Comments can be registered with the state Insurance Department by visiting http://www.ct.gov/cid/cwp/view.asp?a=4059&Q=581302 .

Sen. Hwang has also posted a testimony link at www.SenatorHwang.com .

Sen. Hwang has proposed that Connecticut change the specific definitions of what would disqualify insurers from excessive increases. Sen. Hwang has also called for mandatory state public hearings when proposed health insurance rate increases exceed 10 percent. Democrats and Republicans supported those proposals, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy vetoed the legislation.  Sen. Hwang is also urging area residents to contact him with their thoughts and concerns about the potential rate hikes atTony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov .