Connecticut Senate Bill SB00082

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Reducing Barriers To Women's Health Care And Family Planning.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter the accessibility of health care services under the HUSKY Health program. By eliminating the referral requirement, women will have greater autonomy in seeking family planning and health services, which could lead to improved health outcomes. This change is anticipated to benefit particularly those who may face challenges in reaching their primary care providers due to various barriers, thereby facilitating quicker access to important health services.

Summary

SB00082, titled 'An Act Reducing Barriers To Women's Health Care And Family Planning', seeks to enhance access to women's health and family planning services for members of the HUSKY Health program. The bill proposes an amendment to title 17b of the general statutes, targeting the existing requirement for patients to obtain a referral from a primary care provider before accessing certain health services. The intent of the bill is to streamline the process and remove obstacles that may prevent women from receiving necessary health care in a timely manner.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding SB00082 involves concerns about ensuring comprehensive care management for patients. Critics may argue that removing the referral requirement could lead to individuals seeking services without adequate guidance from primary care providers, potentially resulting in fragmented care. However, proponents contend that the advantages of increased access and reduced barriers to essential health services outweigh these concerns, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to make their own health care decisions.