Connecticut House Approves Bill To Eliminate Three-Day Hospitalization Rule For Residential Treatment Insurance Coverage

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Caregivers / Homecare;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 13 May 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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The Connecticut House on Wednesday approved a bill that intends to make it easier for patients to receive insurance coverage for treatment in residential facilities, the Hartford Courant reports. The bill, which passed in the Senate on May 1, will be sent to Gov. Jodi Rell (R) for final approval.

The bill would eliminate a provision that patients in need of residential treatment -- for conditions such as mental health or eating disorders -- may be required to stay in a hospital for at least three days before their insurance will cover the treatment. Residential treatment is less-intensive but can cost thousands of dollars, according to the Courant. The bill also would prohibit insurers from denying residential treatment coverage because the patient is not a child or adolescent, according to state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D).

Under the bill, insurers could continue to assess a patient's medical need for residential treatment and would not be required to pay for care that they deem unnecessary. Employer-based health plans would not be affected by the bill.

If Rell signs the bill, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2009 (Levick, Hartford Courant, 5/9).

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