Connecticut Senate Bill SB00038

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/16
• Refer: 2/5/16

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Patient Lifts.

Impact

The legislation's impact is significant as it introduces a requirement for health insurance providers to cover patient lifts, which are often essential for individuals who require assistance in transferring between different positions. By mandating coverage for this specific equipment, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families who face high costs associated with caring for individuals with severe mobility restrictions. The requirement for a physician's certification of medical necessity ensures that coverage is limited to cases where it is truly warranted, preventing potential misuse of the provision.

Summary

SB00038, titled 'An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Patient Lifts,' aims to ensure that health insurance policies provide coverage for the purchase or rental of medical equipment known as patient lifts. These devices are designed to assist in lifting individuals from beds or wheelchairs, which can significantly enhance the quality of care for patients with mobility impairments. The proposed bill will take effect on January 1, 2017 and applies to both individual and group health insurance policies within the state.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on improving access to necessary medical equipment for patients, it may provoke some stakeholder contention around the cost implications for insurance providers and potential increases in premiums. Opponents might argue that making such coverage mandatory could lead insurance companies to raise costs across the board, which could adversely affect insured individuals, particularly those not requiring such equipment. Advocates for the bill, however, would counter that the long-term benefits in terms of improved patient care and quality of life outweigh these concerns.