Connecticut Senate Bill SB00010

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Report Pass: 3/13/25
• Report Pass: 3/14/25
• Refer: 3/27/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Refer: 5/1/25
• Report Pass: 5/6/25
• Report Pass: 5/7/25
• Refer: 5/8/25
• Report Pass: 5/12/25
• Report Pass: 5/13/25
• Engrossed: 5/21/25
• Report Pass: 5/23/25
• Passed: 6/2/25
• Chaptered: 6/11/25
• Enrolled: 6/23/25
• Passed: 6/24/25

Caption

An Act Concerning Health Insurance And Patient Protection.

Impact

The passage of SB00010 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding insurance practices. By enforcing stricter regulations on step therapy and requiring annual compliance certifications from health carriers, the bill seeks to strengthen the rights of patients to receive appropriate care without undue delays. It will also enhance the reporting obligations of health insurers concerning mental health and substance use disorder benefits, aligning state laws with federal standards of mental health parity. The overarching goal is to promote equitable access to health care and safeguard patient welfare, creating a cohesive framework for insurance practices.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 10, titled 'An Act Concerning Health Insurance And Patient Protection', aims to improve health insurance policies in relation to transparency and patient safety. It introduces measures to regulate the use of step therapy in prescribing medications, ensuring that patients do not face unnecessary barriers when seeking effective treatment. Specifically, it requires insurance companies to grant override requests expeditiously when a prescribed regimen is deemed ineffective or harmful by a healthcare provider. This provision is particularly crucial for patients suffering from critical conditions, including various cancers and mental health disorders, as it ensures timely access to necessary medications.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00010 appears largely positive, particularly among healthcare advocates and patient rights groups. Supporters argue that the bill addresses critical gaps in patient protection and enhances the overall quality of care by allowing for more personalized medication plans based on individual patient needs. However, there are concerns voiced by some insurance stakeholders regarding the administrative burden that compliance with the new regulations may impose. Despite these hesitations, the general view remains supportive of the bill's intent to prioritize patient health over rigid insurance protocols.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around SB00010 relate to the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational flexibility of health insurers. While proponents affirm the necessity of the bill in protecting patient rights, critics express apprehension about potential impacts on insurance costs and accessibility. The demand for thorough reporting and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance have led to debates on the practical implications of enforcing these new standards, particularly within the context of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.