Connecticut Senate Bill SB00212

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/18
• Refer: 2/22/18

Caption

An Act Mandating Health Insurance Coverage Of Certain Knee Aspirations.

Impact

If enacted, SB00212 would specifically amend the existing health insurance statutes to include knee aspiration treatments as a mandatory coverage. This change is expected to impact insurance companies by requiring them to adjust their policies and potentially increase premiums to accommodate the mandated coverage. Proponents of the bill posit that providing this coverage is essential for the health and well-being of patients, as it allows them access to treatments that can significantly alleviate symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

Summary

SB00212, titled 'An Act Mandating Health Insurance Coverage Of Certain Knee Aspirations,' aims to require health insurance policies in the state to provide coverage for knee aspirations accompanied by injections of a hyaluronic acid preparation for patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. This legislation would affect both individual and group health insurance policies, mandating that such coverage be effective starting January 1, 2019. The intent is to improve access to necessary medical treatments for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease.

Contention

While SB00212 is intended to benefit patients, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly from insurance providers who might argue that the mandate could lead to increased costs for both insurers and consumers. There may also be concerns regarding the implications for the overall healthcare system, especially regarding the pricing of the treatments included under the new regulations. As the bill progresses, discussions are likely to revolve around balancing patient needs with the economic impacts on the insurance market.