Connecticut House Bill HB05454

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Diagnostic And Screening Colonoscopies.

Impact

The passage of HB 05454 would significantly impact health insurance coverage standards within the state, specifically regarding preventive health measures. By requiring full coverage for colonoscopies, the bill promotes accessibility to crucial screening services and encourages routine checks among residents. This could lead to improvements in public health outcomes, particularly in the early detection of colorectal cancer and other related conditions, thereby reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with untreated illnesses.

Summary

House Bill 05454 aims to mandate that individual and group health insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for diagnostic and screening colonoscopies. This bill seeks to eliminate any out-of-pocket expenses for these procedures, including necessary medical preparation as recommended by healthcare providers within their professional scope. The focus on colonoscopies highlights the importance of preventive healthcare measures that can detect conditions early, potentially mitigating more severe health outcomes in the future.

Contention

While the bill is anticipated to have positive implications for patient health, it does raise points of contention among stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Some insurance providers may express concerns regarding the financial burden imposed by mandatory coverage without patient cost-sharing. Furthermore, discussions may revolve around the broader implications for policy costs and how such mandates might impact overall insurance premiums. The debate is likely to include various perspectives on how best to ensure preventive care while managing the economic realities faced by health insurers.