Requires health insurance coverage for temporal mandibular joint disorders. (8/1/16) (OR +$154,000 GF EX See Note)
Impact
By mandating coverage for TMJ treatments, SB132 aims to improve the accessibility of healthcare for Louisiana residents suffering from these conditions. This legislative change means that patients will no longer need to bear the full cost of their TMJ disorder treatments out-of-pocket, alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with such medical needs. The impact on state laws involves reinforcing patient rights to necessary medical care and health insurance providers' obligations to include these treatments in their health plans. This could potentially alter the way insurance providers structure their policies in relation to dental and medical coverages.
Summary
Senate Bill 132 focuses on requiring health insurance policies to cover the treatment of temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Historically, treatments related to TMJ disorders were excluded from the mandatory coverage that insurance policies had to provide for dental and medical expenses. The bill seeks to amend this by ensuring that any insurance policy issued in Louisiana after July 1, 2016, includes provisions for the treatment of TMJ disorders. This amendment is particularly important as TMJ disorders can lead to significant discomfort and impact individuals' quality of life, making access to treatment essential.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB132 is generally positive among healthcare advocates and patients who have suffered from TMJ disorders. Supporters argue that the bill is a significant step toward improving healthcare access and eliminating previous healthcare inequalities for individuals requiring specialized dental care. However, some concerns may arise from insurance companies regarding the cost implications of mandated treatments and how this may affect premiums in the long term. Overall, the discussions around the bill reflect a commitment to enhancing patient welfare through expanded health coverage.
Contention
Although there is broad support for SB132, notable points of contention may include apprehensions from insurance providers about the increased costs associated with including TMJ treatments in their coverage. The requirement could lead to debates regarding the financial sustainability of such mandates within the health insurance market. Additionally, there may be discussions about what specific treatments classify as required under TMJ disorder coverage, and whether there should be limits on types of procedures covered to manage costs effectively.