Connecticut House Bill HB05834

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Requiring Insurance Coverage For Services Rendered By Acupuncturists.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05834 would necessitate amendments to existing health insurance policies within the state, thereby enhancing access to acupuncture treatments for patients. This could potentially lead to a broader acceptance of acupuncture in mainstream healthcare, encouraging its use as an alternative or complementary therapy for various medical conditions. By ensuring insurance reimbursement for these services, the bill seeks to improve health equity and facilitate integrative approaches in healthcare delivery.

Summary

House Bill 05834 is designed to mandate health insurance coverage for services provided by licensed acupuncturists. Currently, acupuncture services may not be fully reimbursable by insurance plans. This bill aims to align the coverage provisions for acupuncturists with those applicable to traditional medical services rendered by physicians, thereby recognizing acupuncture as a valid form of healthcare treatment. The proposal has been introduced to ensure that patients seeking acupuncture can obtain necessary treatments without facing excessive out-of-pocket expenses due to lack of insurance coverage.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the potential increase in insurance premiums and the sustainability of including acupuncture in insurance plans. Critics could argue that adding such provisions might lead to higher costs for insurers, which could be passed on to consumers. Additionally, there may be philosophical disagreements within the medical community regarding the efficacy and regulation of acupuncture practice. Proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of patient choice and access to holistic care, while opponents might emphasize financial implications and the need for more robust evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture compared to conventional treatments.