Connecticut Senate Bill SB00207

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Required Health Insurance Coverage For Ambulance Services And Requiring Notification And Consent Regarding The Potential Cost Of Such Services In Certain Circumstances.

Impact

One significant impact of SB00207 is the requirement for ambulance providers to notify patients and obtain consent before providing transportation when the services are deemed non-emergency. This provision aims to empower individuals by giving them more control over their healthcare choices and financial responsibilities. Also, by ensuring that insurance covers these services at in-network rates, the bill potentially reduces the risk of surprise medical bills, which can be a significant financial burden for patients.

Summary

SB00207 focuses on amending health insurance coverage for ambulance services in Connecticut. The bill seeks to modify the existing health insurance mandates to ensure that coverage includes medically necessary transportation to a person's residence. Additionally, it establishes that ambulance services must be billed at in-network rates, safeguarding patients against excessive out-of-pocket costs. The bill's intent is to enhance the financial protection of individuals requiring ambulance services, particularly in non-emergency situations.

Contention

While the bill has generally received support for addressing the high costs associated with ambulance services, there may be contention surrounding the implementation of the notification and consent requirements. Critics could argue that these additional procedures may delay necessary medical transports or complicate emergency situations where rapid response is critical. Thus, balancing patient protection with the need for prompt medical care is a potential area of debate among stakeholders.