Connecticut Senate Bill SB00040

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/19
• Refer: 1/15/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Site-neutral Payments For Health Care Services.

Impact

If passed, SB00040 would alter existing provisions within section 38a-472i of the general statutes, creating a uniform payment structure that could impact negotiations between health carriers and healthcare providers. The aim is to ensure that patients pay the same amount for identical medical services performed in various settings, fostering an environment where cost disparity does not influence a patient’s choice of provider. Such changes could lead to more transparency in healthcare pricing.

Summary

SB00040 is an act requiring health carriers to include site-neutral payment provisions in provider contracts. This legislation aims to standardize payment rates for healthcare services regardless of the site where they are provided. The intent is to promote fairness in healthcare pricing, eliminating discrepancies in payment rates between different types of facilities for the same service. This approach is particularly relevant in an era where escalating healthcare costs are a significant concern for both consumers and providers.

Contention

While advocates believe that site-neutral payments could reduce healthcare costs and enhance consumer choice, opponents may argue that they could affect revenue streams for certain medical facilities, particularly those that rely on higher payments for services. This bill is expected to generate debate over the implications of regulating payments at a statutory level versus allowing market forces to dictate pricing structures within the healthcare system.