Connecticut House Bill HB05591

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Setting Of Payments By Insurers For Noncovered Benefits.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would specifically affect the contractual language and payment structures between insurers and healthcare providers. By preventing insurers from dictating terms of payment for services outside of the coverage, healthcare providers would gain clarity and stability in their remuneration for services rendered. This change can potentially lead to improved trust in relationships between insurers and providers, ultimately benefiting patients through more consistent care practices.

Summary

House Bill 05591 aims to prohibit health insurance companies from setting payments for services and procedures that are not covered benefits under the relevant provider's contract. The bill was introduced by Representative Srinivasan and referred to the Committee on Insurance and Real Estate. The legislative intent is clear: to protect healthcare providers from potential financial losses associated with non-covered services while ensuring that payment practices remain fair and transparent.

Contention

However, the bill may not be without contention. Opponents of the bill might argue that limiting insurers' ability to negotiate payment terms could lead to higher premiums for policyholders, as insurers would need to account for potential losses in their pricing models. Furthermore, discussions may arise about the implications this has on the overall healthcare market, particularly in how services are billed and reimbursed, with some advocating for a balance between protection for healthcare providers and maintaining affordable insurance for consumers.