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CPMA Legislative Update January 2026

February 8, 2026

CPMA Legislative Report

Linda Kowalski

January 15, 2026

CPMA’s government relations team has begun the process of reaching out to key legislative committees preparing for the 2026 legislative session and discussing with leadership concepts and issues. Our agenda, at this time, includes:

  • Medicaid Rate
  • Podiatric
  • Reduce insurer “clawback” period from 18 months to 12 months.

The major committees of cognizance regarding these three issues are the Human Services committee, Public Health committee and Insurance and Real Estate committee. We are scheduling meetings with committee leaders.

The 2026 legislative session convenes on Wednesday, February 4. It will be the budget adjustment session with action moving quickly. Public hearings will primarily be held in March with legislation moving to the Senate and House floors in April. Budget adjustments for the Fiscal Year starting July 1, 2026 (Fiscal Year 2027) will be a significant focus of the session.

Over the interim, there had been two vacancies in the House that were filled with special elections this month. In the House District 25 representing parts of New Britain, the election was to fill the seat left vacant when State Rep. Bobby Sanchez took office as mayor. The winner of the special election was Iris Sanchez, a Democratic member of the city Common Council. On January 13 there was a special election in Eastern Connecticut to fill the 139th House District seat of State Rep. Kevin Ryan, (D-Montville) who passed away. The winner was Democrat Larry Pemberton, Jr.

A number of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine have asked whether they may opt out of participating in Connecticut’s Health Information Exchange, (HIE) called “Connie.” At this time, there is an opt-out option for patients, but not for medical providers. The CPMA’s government relations team has been working with several other professions to enact this, but no legislation has passed. This is another issue that we are pursuing again during the 2026 legislative session.

Other Issues of Interest include:

  • We are told that the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) will be proposing a bill to prevent insurers from downcoding claims. This will be something that CPMA’s government relations team will support.
  • Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney might be proposing a “public option” in healthcare, although there is nothing in draft form yet. Governor Lamont has talked about proposing this in the 2027 legislative session if he is re-elected.
  • There will also be a coalition on “out-of-network (OON)” reimbursement

CPMA’s lobbying team looks forward to working with two state employees who have been appointed to high-level administrative positions. Josh Wojcik has been appointed in an interim capacity as the Secretary-designate of the Office of Policy and Management. Governor Lamont will submit his nomination to the General Assembly for consideration during the 2026 legislative session.

Meanwhile, Josh Hershman has been nominated by Governor Lamont to succeed Commissioner Mais. He is serving as the commissioner-designate in the Department of Insurance. Both individuals are superbly qualified for these posts; the governor will formally nominate both for confirmation for consideration by the General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session.

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