Connecticut Senate Bill SB00147

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/13
• Refer: 1/16/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage Of Orally And Intravenously Administered Medications.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly impact the provisions outlined in title 38a of the general statutes concerning health insurance. It would create an obligation for insurers to include oral medications in their coverage policies when they already provide intravenous options for the same therapeutic purposes. This shift would likely encourage insurers to evaluate their coverage practices and could potentially lead to increased healthcare costs when insurers are required to expand their coverage options.

Summary

SB00147, proposed by Senator Looney, aims to amend the state's health insurance statutes to require insurance policies that cover intravenously administered medications to also provide coverage for orally administered medications. This bill specifically targets treatments for chronic diseases that may be life-threatening or disabling. By establishing this requirement, the legislation seeks to ensure that patients have access to both types of medication on comparable terms, thus promoting fairness in health insurance coverage.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00147 may stem from the financial implications for insurance providers as well as patients. Insurers may express concerns regarding the added costs associated with expanding coverage to include oral medications, arguing that it could lead to higher premiums for policyholders. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the appropriateness and clinical necessity of oral versus intravenous treatments, with differing opinions on the clinical guidelines that should govern such choices.