Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB578

Introduced
10/30/23  
Refer
10/30/23  

Caption

Actions in circuit court alleging discrimination in employment, unfair honesty testing, or unfair genetic testing. (FE)

Impact

If passed, SB578 will significantly impact existing state healthcare laws by introducing stricter regulations on insurance companies regarding premium rates and ensuring that essential health benefits are covered. This legislation seeks to close the gaps in coverage that many residents currently face, particularly in areas of mental health and chronic condition management. The bill aims to align state laws with federal healthcare policies, thereby enhancing the overall standard of healthcare delivered to residents.

Summary

SB578 is a comprehensive healthcare reform bill aimed at improving insurance coverage and reducing healthcare costs across the state. The bill proposes various measures to enhance the affordability of care for all citizens, including provisions for expanded access to preventive services and the regulation of insurance premiums. The intent behind the bill is to make healthcare more accessible, especially for low-income families and underserved communities, thus striving towards a more equitable healthcare system.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB578, particularly from various stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Supporters of the bill, including patient advocacy groups, argue that the reforms are essential for improving the standards of care and ensuring that no individual faces financial hardship due to medical bills. Conversely, opponents, which include some insurance companies and business groups, claim that the added regulations might lead to higher overall insurance costs, potentially driving smaller providers out of the market. They argue for a more free-market approach to healthcare that incentivizes competition rather than increasing government oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB537

Actions in circuit court alleging discrimination in employment, unfair honesty testing, or unfair genetic testing. (FE)

WI SB577

Prohibiting an employer from relying on information about a prospective employee's compensation when making employment decisions or inquiring about a prospective employee's compensation and from restricting an employee's right to disclose compensation information, allowing actions in circuit court, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI AB538

Prohibiting an employer from relying on information about a prospective employee's compensation when making employment decisions or inquiring about a prospective employee's compensation and from restricting an employee's right to disclose compensation information, allowing actions in circuit court, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI SB0284

Consumer genetic testing providers.

WI HB1342

Consumer genetic testing providers.

WI AB1556

Employment discrimination: unlawful employment practices.

WI AB9

Employment discrimination: limitation of actions.

WI HB2800

Relating to age-based employment discrimination.

WI AB1870

Employment discrimination: limitation of actions.

WI SB232

Various changes to the unemployment insurance law, federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Similar Bills

CA AB933

Privileged communications: incident of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination.

CA AB2239

Digital discrimination of access: prohibition.

NJ AR49

Condemns US Department of Housing and Urban Development's proposed rule limiting applicability of Fair Housing Act's disparate impact standard.

CA AB831

Housing discrimination.

CA AB518

Discrimination: state employees: travel.

CA SB16

Civil rights: discrimination: enforcement.

CA AB2389

Discrimination: state employees: travel.

CA AB2925

Postsecondary education: Equity in Higher Education Act: prohibition on discrimination: training.