Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00324

Introduced
2/27/20  
Refer
2/27/20  
Report Pass
3/10/20  

Caption

An Act Concerning Required Health Insurance Coverage For Ambulance Services And Requiring Notification And Consent Regarding The Potential Cost Of Such Services In Certain Circumstances.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to significantly impact how health insurance companies handle claims for ambulance services. It will require insurers to pay ambulance providers directly for emergency services rendered, provided that the ambulance service complies with stipulated requirements. This change is anticipated to streamline the payment process, ensuring ambulance service providers are compensated without the delays that can arise from complex billing practices. Moreover, the bill's provisions aim to create a clearer understanding of cost responsibilities for covered individuals before they use non-emergency services, thereby enhancing consumer protection.

Summary

SB00324, titled 'An Act Concerning Required Health Insurance Coverage for Ambulance Services', aims to enhance the requirements for coverage of ambulance services under health insurance policies. The bill mandates that individual and group health insurance policies must cover medically necessary ambulance services at an in-network level. This includes transportation from a medical facility to a covered person's residence, ensuring that the costs are shared fairly between insurance providers and consumers. The act intends to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with emergency medical transport for policyholders.

Contention

While SB00324 addresses critical issues regarding health insurance and emergency services, it is not without contention. Some stakeholders express concerns about the potential for increased premiums due to raised coverage requirements, fearing that the costs could be shifted onto policyholders. Additionally, the bill includes stipulations requiring ambulance providers to obtain explicit consent from patients regarding the costs associated with non-emergency transport, which may complicate service delivery in urgent situations. Opponents argue this could result in delays or denials of care when patients are most vulnerable, particularly if they are unable to provide consent swiftly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05460

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Ambulance Services.

CT SB00179

An Act Concerning Rates For Ambulance And Paramedic Services.

CT HB05250

An Act Concerning Self-service Storage Insurance.

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT SB00210

An Act Concerning A State-operated Reinsurance Program, Health Care Cost Growth And Site Of Service Billing Requirements.

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 HB05378

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

CT SB00241

An Act Concerning The Office Of Health Strategy's Recommendations Regarding 340b Program Transparency.

CT SB00242

An Act Concerning The Office Of Health Strategy's Recommendations Regarding The All-payer Claims Database.

CT SB00398

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

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