Connecticut Senate Bill SB00195

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/14
• Refer: 2/19/14

Caption

An Act Requiring The Payment Of Certain Parking Fees By Insurance Companies.

Impact

The bill's implementation will require health insurance providers to adopt new regulations and procedures to manage the reimbursement process effectively. This will involve the creation of forms and communication methods to inform insured individuals about their rights to claim parking fee reimbursements. The introduction of this bill could potentially increase administrative costs for insurance companies as they adapt to accommodate the billing procedures related to parking fees, but it also may encourage a shift in understanding about associated medical costs.

Summary

SB00195, titled 'An Act Requiring The Payment Of Certain Parking Fees By Insurance Companies,' mandates that health insurance companies reimburse insured individuals for parking fees exceeding $150 per policy year that are incurred during the receipt of covered medical services. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with attending medical appointments, particularly for those with significant treatment needs. By recognizing parking expenses as part of the overall healthcare cost, the bill seeks to enhance access to necessary medical care without the added worry of parking costs.

Contention

While the bill addresses an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare expenses, there could be discussions on the financial implications for insurance providers and the possible increases in insurance premiums to cover these additional reimbursements. Some stakeholders may express concern regarding the specifics of how parking fees will be documented and verified, raising issues of accessibility for patients who may not keep records of such expenses. The legislative debate may also involve differing views on whether such reimbursements fall under essential healthcare costs or are ancillary charges that should not burden insurance coverage.