Connecticut House Bill HB05913

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/21
• Refer: 1/28/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Changes Made To A Health Insurance Policy During A Policy Year.

Impact

The proposed changes are intended to enhance consumer protection for individuals covered by health insurance policies in the state. By limiting the ability of insurers to unilaterally change policy terms mid-year, the bill aims to safeguard insured persons from unexpected modifications that could affect their coverage. Additionally, the advance notice requirement for global changes reinforces transparency and allows healthcare providers to adjust accordingly. The bill's implications could lead to a more stable insurance landscape, thus fostering trust between insurers and consumers.

Summary

House Bill 05913 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating changes made to health insurance policies during the policy year. Specifically, the bill proposes amendments to title 38a of the general statutes, stipulating that health insurers cannot alter the terms of an individual or group health insurance policy within a policy year without a request from the insured. Furthermore, it requires that any global changes to the policies issued by a health insurer be communicated to participating providers through a written notice prior to implementation. This bill seeks to ensure that insured individuals maintain consistency and predictability with their health insurance coverage throughout the policy year.

Contention

While the intent of HB 05913 is to provide consumer protection and maintain the integrity of health insurance contracts, there are potential points of contention surrounding the implementation and compliance. Insurers might argue that the rigidity introduced by this bill could hinder their ability to respond to changing conditions within the health insurance market. Moreover, there may be concerns about the administrative burden placed on health insurers to provide advance notice of changes. Balancing the interests of consumers with those of insurers will likely be a central theme in discussions and deliberations regarding this bill.