Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00203

Introduced
2/20/20  
Refer
2/20/20  

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Motorized Wheelchairs.

Impact

If enacted, SB00203 would significantly alter existing health insurance policies, ensuring that individuals relying on motorized wheelchairs can obtain necessary resources without facing prohibitive costs. The effective date of the bill is set for January 1, 2021, allowing insurance providers time to adjust their policies accordingly. This legislative action aligns with broader efforts to reinforce healthcare accessibility for people with disabilities, recognizing the increasing need for mobility aids in modern healthcare legislation.

Summary

SB00203, titled 'An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage for Motorized Wheelchairs', aims to mandate that all individual and group health insurance policies within the state must cover motorized wheelchairs. This coverage includes not only the purchase of motorized wheelchairs but also repairs and replacement batteries. The goal of the bill is to provide essential support for individuals with mobility impairments, enhancing their quality of life through improved access to necessary medical equipment.

Contention

While the intent behind SB00203 is widely viewed as beneficial, it may raise concerns among insurers regarding potential increases in premium costs due to expanding coverage requirements. Some stakeholders might argue that the bill could lead to an uptick in insurance claims related to motorized wheelchair usage and maintenance. Consequently, discussions could revolve around balancing the necessity of coverage with financial implications for both insurers and policyholders, creating a space for debate on how to best serve the needs of disabled individuals while maintaining sustainable insurance practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05378

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Infertility.

CT HB05460

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Ambulance Services.

CT SB00308

An Act Concerning Wheelchair Repair Requirements.

CT HB05375

An Act Requiring The Comptroller To Conduct A Study Of Health Insurance Coverage For Retired Police Officers.

CT SB00404

An Act Concerning Affordability As A Factor In Premium Rate Filings For Individual And Group Health Insurance Policies.

CT HB05503

An Act Concerning Insurance Market Conduct And Insurance Licensing, The Insurance Department's Technical Corrections And Other Revisions To The Insurance Statutes And Captive Insurance.

CT SB00398

An Act Concerning The Regulation And Taxation Of Travel Insurance And Associated Entities, Products And Professionals.

CT HB05464

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical Revisions To Insurance-related Statutes.

CT SB00400

An Act Concerning The Insurance Department's Technical Corrections And Other Revisions To The Insurance Statutes.

CT HB05245

An Act Concerning Copayment-only Health Plans.

Similar Bills

CT HB06702

An Act Concerning A Consumer's Right To Timely Wheelchair Repairs.

MA S2541

Expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

MA S2546

Expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

MA H378

Expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

MA S152

Expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

MA S210

Expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

CT HB07106

An Act Concerning Wheelchair Repair Requirements.

NY A08740

Enacts "Killian's law"; establishes a timely repair for wheelchair program; extends the warranty period for wheelchairs to 2 years; deems all wheelchair repairs needed within 5 years of initial prescription medically necessary.