Connecticut House Bill HB05961

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Extending To Physicians The Prohibition On The Setting Of Payments By Health Insurers And Other Entities For Noncovered Benefits.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5961 would significantly impact relationships between physicians and health insurers in the state. By disallowing clauses in contracts that set insurer-determined rates for noncovered services, the bill would provide physicians with greater autonomy regarding payment for their services. This could potentially lead to more consistent billing practices where patients are well-informed about the costs that are their responsibility when opting for noncovered services, ensuring that they are not burdened by unexpected financial obligations post-service.

Summary

House Bill 5961 aims to amend existing statutes to prohibit health insurers and similar entities from requiring physicians to accept predetermined amounts for services or procedures that are categorized as noncovered benefits under health insurance policies. The bill seeks to ensure that medical professionals are not forced into accepting potentially unfair payment arrangements for treatments that are not included in a patient’s coverage, fostering a more transparent billing process. This legislative measure aligns with wider objectives to enhance fairness in healthcare payment structures and protect physicians' financial interests.

Contention

While the intention behind HB 5961 focuses on protecting physicians and ensuring clarity in billing for noncovered services, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the implications for health insurance and overall healthcare costs. Critics might argue that removing the ability of insurers to negotiate certain rates could lead to increased premiums or reduced coverage options for consumers. As the bill progresses, discussions are anticipated around finding a balance between safeguarding medical professionals' interests and maintaining a sustainable insurance market that offers valuable health benefits to the insured.