Connecticut Senate Bill SB00090

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/21
• Refer: 1/12/21

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Certain Surgical Procedures Performed To Treat Severe Obesity.

Impact

If enacted, SB00090 would amend title 38a of the general statutes, thereby impacting the landscape of health insurance policies in the state. By requiring certain surgical procedures related to obesity treatment to be covered by insurance, the bill aims to provide financial relief for individuals seeking these life-changing surgeries. This move could potentially reduce long-term health complications associated with obesity and related conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Summary

SB00090 is designed to mandate health insurance coverage for specific surgical procedures aimed at treating severe obesity. The intent of this bill is to ensure that individuals suffering from obesity have access to necessary medical treatments without prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. The inclusion of these surgical procedures under health insurance plans would represent a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access for patients who struggle with obesity-related health issues.

Contention

While the bill reflects an important shift towards acknowledging obesity as a critical health issue, there may be contention regarding the scope of insurance coverage it mandates. Some stakeholders might argue about the specific types of surgeries to be included under this requirement and whether insurance costs would rise as a consequence. Moreover, discussions might arise surrounding the effectiveness of surgical treatments for obesity and whether more emphasis should be placed on preventative measures and lifestyle changes.