Connecticut Senate Bill SB00198

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/14
• Refer: 2/19/14
• Report Pass: 3/6/14
• Refer: 3/13/14
• Report Pass: 3/19/14
• Refer: 3/26/14
• Refer: 3/27/14
• Report Pass: 4/2/14
• Report Pass: 4/3/14

Caption

An Act Concerning The Claims Data Provided To Certain Employers.

Impact

The introduction of SB00198 is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding employee health insurance practices. By consolidating the requirement for claims data reporting, the bill enhances transparency between health insurers and employers. This measure potentially improves the bargaining power of employers when negotiating health plan features, ultimately influencing the healthcare choices available to employees. Furthermore, the bill facilitates a healthier workplace environment by promoting wellness initiatives, directly benefiting employees through improved health management.

Summary

SB00198, an Act Concerning the Claims Data Provided to Certain Employers, mandates that health insurers and service providers deliver detailed claims information to employers with more than fifty employees. This aims to ensure that employers get comprehensive data including medical, dental, and pharmaceutical utilization statistics. Additionally, insurers must provide information about claims paid, premiums, and the number of insured individuals broken down by coverage category annually, allowing employers to analyze their healthcare expenditures more effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00198 has been largely positive among business advocates who argue that increased access to claims data will permit employers to make informed choices about healthcare plans. Supporters believe that this transparency is vital for promoting competitive pricing and improving health outcomes. However, some stakeholders express concerns regarding the confidentiality of employee health information and the potential misuse of the data, highlighting the necessity for strict regulatory measures to safeguard privacy while promoting transparency.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from the balance between beneficial transparency for employers and the privacy protections for employee data. Critics caution that while the bill aims to help employers manage healthcare costs and promote wellness, it could inadvertently expose sensitive health information if not handled correctly. Discussions have centered on the need for additional safeguards to protect personal health information, ensuring that the bill serves its intended purpose without compromising individual privacy rights.