Connecticut House Bill HB06337

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/1/21

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Balance Billing And Providing Additional Protection To Health Care Consumers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6337 would significantly alter the landscape of health care billing practices within the state. The prohibition of balance billing means that patients will not face unexpected charges for out-of-network services, thereby promoting a more consumer-friendly health care environment. The bill aims to align state regulations with consumer interests by addressing a common pain point in medical billing, potentially leading to greater trust in healthcare providers and insurance companies alike.

Summary

House Bill 6337 aims to protect health care consumers by prohibiting balance billing practices used by certain out-of-network health care providers. The bill is designed to enhance transparency and fairness in medical billing, ensuring that patients are not unexpectedly charged for services rendered by out-of-network providers when they believe they are covered by their insurance plans. The primary goal of this legislation is to provide additional safeguards for consumers against financial burdens arising from unforeseen medical expenses due to billing discrepancies.

Contention

While the intent of HB 6337 is to protect consumers, there may still be points of contention among stakeholders in the health care industry. Opponents of the bill, particularly from within the insurance sector and some out-of-network provider organizations, may argue that prohibiting balance billing could lead to reduced reimbursements for healthcare providers, ultimately affecting the availability and quality of care. This tension reflects the ongoing struggle between consumer protection measures and the financial realities faced by health care providers operating outside of conventional insurance networks.