Connecticut 2011 2011 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00923 Chaptered / Bill

Filed 06/17/2011

                    Substitute Senate Bill No. 923

Public Act No. 11-83

AN ACT CONCERNING THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY AND COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS AND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR COLONOSCOPIES. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: 

Section 1. Section 38a-492k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2012): 

(a) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 delivered, issued for delivery, amended, renewed or continued in this state [on or after October 1, 2001,] shall provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening, including, but not limited to, (1) an annual fecal occult blood test, and (2) colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or radiologic imaging, in accordance with the recommendations established by the American College of Gastroenterology, after consultation with the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, based on the ages, family histories and frequencies provided in the recommendations. [Benefits] Except as specified in subsection (b) of this section, benefits under this section shall be subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to all other benefits under such policies. 

(b) No such policy shall impose a coinsurance, copayment, deductible or other out-of-pocket expense for any additional colonoscopy ordered in a policy year by a physician for an insured. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a high deductible health plan as that term is used in subsection (f) of section 38a-493.

Sec. 2. Section 38a-518k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2012): 

(a) Each group health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 delivered, issued for delivery, amended, renewed or continued in this state [on or after October 1, 2001,] shall provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening, including, but not limited to, (1) an annual fecal occult blood test, and (2) colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or radiologic imaging, in accordance with the recommendations established by the American College of Gastroenterology, after consultation with the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology, based on the ages, family histories and frequencies provided in the recommendations. [Benefits] Except as specified in subsection (b) of this section, benefits under this section shall be subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to all other benefits under such policies. 

(b) No such policy shall impose a coinsurance, copayment, deductible or other out-of-pocket expense for any additional colonoscopy ordered in a policy year by a physician for an insured. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a high deductible health plan as that term is used in subsection (f) of section 38a-520.