Connecticut Senate Bill SB00458

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage For Equine Therapy For Veterans.

Impact

If enacted, SB00458 would amend chapter 700c of the general statutes, thereby impacting existing health insurance regulations in the state. The bill would obligate insurance providers to include equine therapy as a covered treatment option for veterans, potentially shifting the landscape of mental health treatment. This could lead to an increase in the use of equine therapy, and in turn, may encourage more insurance companies to consider covering similar alternative health care methods for other populations as well.

Summary

SB00458 is a proposed bill aimed at requiring individual and group health insurance policies to provide coverage for equine therapy specifically for veterans. The bill intends to emphasize the importance of alternative therapy methods to improve the mental and physical well-being of veterans, recognizing the growing interest and evidence supporting the benefits of such therapies. By mandating coverage for equine therapy, the bill seeks to enhance the healthcare options available to veterans, promoting access to alternative therapeutic practices that can improve their quality of life.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face some points of contention regarding its potential impact on insurance costs and the overall healthcare system. Critics might argue that mandating coverage for equine therapy could lead to increased premiums or costs for all insured individuals. Additionally, there may be debates on the efficacy of equine therapy compared to traditional therapeutic options, leading to discussions about the best use of health resources, particularly regarding the allocation of funds towards treatments for veterans.