Connecticut House Bill HB05835

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Insurers To Provide Advance Notice Of Any Change In Its Health Care Provider Network That May Result In Insureds No Longer Being Able To Remain Patients Of A Health Care Provider.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05835 would amend Title 38a of the general statutes. This amendment would place an obligation on health insurers to give notice of network changes that impact patients' access to their healthcare providers, thus potentially improving healthcare continuity for many individuals. This could lead to less disruption in patient care, especially for those with chronic conditions or ongoing treatment needs. The requirement for advance notice would empower patients to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare choices based on the availability of their providers.

Summary

House Bill 05835 aims to require health insurers to provide advance notice to insured individuals concerning any changes in their healthcare provider network. The primary purpose of the bill is to ensure that insured patients are informed prior to any alterations that could potentially lead to them no longer being able to continue receiving care from their current healthcare providers. This legislation could significantly enhance transparency and communication between health insurers and insured individuals, thereby fostering patient autonomy in healthcare decisions.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 05835 might explore several points of contention, particularly regarding how early notifications would be issued by health insurers and the specifics of what constitutes a 'change' in the healthcare provider network. Critics may argue that the requirement could place additional burdens on insurers or may not be sufficient to protect patients in all circumstances. Conversely, supporters would likely emphasize the ethical imperative of keeping patients informed and the practical benefits of allowing them time to adjust their healthcare choices in response to provider availability.