Connecticut House Bill HB06583

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/13
• Refer: 3/6/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Containment Of Correctional Health Care Costs.

Impact

The bill introduces technologies that automate the review of health care claims provided to inmates and seeks to correct any inaccuracies before these claims are evaluated for payment. By implementing these systems, the bill intends not only to identify and prevent fraud or overbilling situations but also to ensure that valid claims are submitted for Medicaid reimbursement. This shift in process is expected to produce significant savings which can potentially be reinvested into the healthcare services provided within the correctional facilities.

Summary

House Bill 6583, titled An Act Concerning The Containment Of Correctional Health Care Costs, is aimed at reducing the financial burden of health care services provided to inmates within the correctional system. The proposed legislation mandates the Commissioner of Administrative Services to contract with entities that specialize in clinical code editing and claims auditing specifically for the Department of Correction's inmate health services program. This aims to increase the accuracy of medical and dental claims submitted, thus improving overall cost management within the correctional healthcare system.

Contention

In discussions surrounding HB 6583, key points of contention include concerns over the adequacy of healthcare services for prisoners versus the necessity of cost containment. Critics may argue that focusing too heavily on financial aspects could undermine the quality of medical care provided. Proponents, however, contend that accurate billing and auditing practices are essential for the sustainability of health care in correctional facilities, suggesting that the savings gained from the bill could ultimately lead to improved services in the long run.