Connecticut Senate Bill SB01114

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/19
• Refer: 3/27/19
• Report Pass: 4/8/19
• Refer: 4/18/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Engrossed: 5/16/19
• Report Pass: 5/17/19
• Chaptered: 6/5/19
• Enrolled: 6/6/19
• Passed: 6/13/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Payments From The Department Of Correction To A Municipality That Provides Ambulance Services On Behalf Of A Correctional Facility.

Impact

The impact of SB 1114 is significant as it ensures a standardized reimbursement rate for municipalities, which is critical for maintaining financial viability in emergency medical responses. By aligning municipal reimbursement rates with those paid to non-municipal providers, the bill aims to create a fair and predictable financial structure for ambulance services provided to inmates. This change is expected to reduce the financial burden on municipalities and ensure that emergency services remain accessible and adequately funded.

Summary

Senate Bill 1114, also known as Public Act No. 19-9, addresses the payment process for ambulance services provided by municipalities for individuals in correctional facilities requiring medical care. The bill modifies existing provisions concerning how the Department of Correction reimburses municipalities for the costs associated with transferring inmates to hospitals. It stipulates that if the individual has health insurance, they are responsible for payment to the hospital, whereas if they do not have insurance, the Department will reimburse the municipality according to a specified payment standard.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB 1114 appears to be supportive, particularly among municipal leaders and emergency service providers who recognize the bill as a necessary adjustment to address the inadequacies of previous reimbursement policies. Advocates argue that the bill helps to ensure that municipalities are compensated fairly for the services they provide, while some concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of the proposed payment methodology and the potential for its implementation to remain consistent across all municipalities.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the discussion around the adequacy of the reimbursement rates set by the Department of Correction and how they will be implemented in practice. Some stakeholders worry that despite improvements, the new rates may still not meet the actual costs incurred by municipalities in providing ambulance services. There are calls for ongoing evaluation and adjustments to ensure that the financial interests of municipalities are adequately protected while maintaining adequate medical care for those in correctional facilities.