Connecticut House Bill HB05446

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/11
• Refer: 1/19/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Breast Thermography.

Impact

The passage of HB 5446 would enhance the state's health insurance parameters concerning preventive services. By obligating insurance providers to cover breast thermography, the bill could lead to increased early detection rates of breast-related health issues among women in the specified age group. This preventive approach could ultimately alleviate the financial burden on patients, encouraging them to seek necessary medical evaluations without worrying about costs.

Summary

House Bill 5446 proposes amendments to title 38a of the general statutes to mandate health insurance coverage for breast thermography procedures for women over the age of twenty-five. The bill aims to ensure that all eligible women can access preventive healthcare services aimed at early detection of breast anomalies. The cap on provision is set for once every three years, which balances the need for regular monitoring without imposing excessive healthcare costs on insurers.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that breast thermography should be part of routine preventive measures for women, similar to mammography, especially for individuals with higher health risks. However, there may be concerns from insurance companies regarding the implications of covering additional procedures, potentially leading to increased premiums. Critics could also argue whether the effectiveness of breast thermography justifies its inclusion under mandatory health coverage, raising questions about medical necessity and cost-effectiveness.