CT SB00031

Effective January 1, 2020, amends Connecticut General Statutes section 38a-477aa to redefine "surprise bill" to include bills from out-of-network clinical laboratories referred by in-network providers.

Defines "surprise bill" as a bill for non-emergency health care services from an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility, during a procedure by an in-network provider, or from an out-of-network clinical laboratory upon referral from an in-network provider, when the insured did not knowingly elect the out-of-network provider.

Excludes from "surprise bill" definition any bill where an in-network health care provider was available and the insured knowingly chose to use an out-of-network provider instead.

Establishes definitions for "emergency condition," "emergency services," "health care plan," "health care provider," and "health carrier" for purposes of surprise billing protections.

Received a joint favorable recommendation from the Insurance and Real Estate Committee.