Researcher: JKL Page 1 4/7/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 1005
AN ACT CONCERNING REQUIRED HEALTH INSURANCE
COVERAGE FOR NEWBORN CHILDREN.
SUMMARY
By law, certain health insurance policies that cover family members
must cover newborns from birth. The coverage must include injury
and sickness benefits, including for the care and treatment of
congenital defects and birth abnormalities.
This bill extends, from 61 days after birth to the later of 121 days
after the birth or the hospital discharge date, the time period within
which the insured person must (1) notify the insurer, HMO, or hospital
or medical service corporation about the birth and (2) pay any required
premium or subscription fee to continue the newborn’s coverage
beyond that period. The bill specifies that if notification and payment
is not provided within the specified period, claims originating during
that period are not prejudiced.
The bill applies to individual and group health insurance policies
delivered, issued, renewed, amended, or continued in Connecticut that
cover (1) basic hospital expenses; (2) basic medical-surgical expenses;
(3) major medical expenses; (4) accidents; or (5) hospital or medical
services, including those provided under an HMO plan. It also applies
to individual health insurance policies that cover limited benefits.
Because of the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act
(ERISA), state insurance benefit mandates do not apply to self-insured
benefit plans.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2022
COMMITTEE ACTION
Insurance and Real Estate Committee 2021SB-01005-R000324-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JKL Page 2 4/7/21
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 18 Nay 0 (03/22/2021)