Connecticut House Bill HB05142

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/12
• Refer: 2/16/12

Caption

An Act Requiring The Inclusion Of Primary Care Providers On Health Insurance Identification Cards.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5142 would amend existing laws to integrate the names of primary care providers into identification cards, which could have significant implications for the health insurance industry. The modification in the law would serve to reinforce the role of primary care professionals in the health care system, promoting awareness and potentially enhancing patient-provider relationships. It is expected that having immediate access to this information could reduce issues related to care coordination and foster a more patient-centered health care approach.

Summary

House Bill 5142 aims to enhance transparency in health insurance by requiring that health insurers, managed care organizations, and similar entities include the name of an enrollee's primary care provider on their identification cards. This bill is intended to facilitate better access to care and improve the communication between patients and their healthcare providers by ensuring that key information about primary care is readily available. Among the bill's mandates is that insurers provide a network of providers consistent with national standards for network adequacy, which is designed to improve the quality of care available to insured individuals.

Contention

While the bill is predominantly viewed as a positive step towards improving care delivery, there are notable points of contention that may arise during discussions. Critics may voice concerns regarding resource implications for insurers who need to implement these changes. Additionally, there might be apprehensions about the adequacy of provider networks and whether all enrollees will have meaningful access to their listed primary care providers, especially in underserved areas. Ensuring compliance with this requirement across various insurance products and maintaining accurate networks are expected challenges.