A new set of laws have been put into place that will affect the lives of some Connecticut residents in 2019, especially regarding your insurance policies. Laws in Connecticut generally go into effect on Jan. 1, July 1, and Oct. 1.
In total there are more than 15 new laws that begin at the start of 2019, ranging from issues that saw significant debate in the General Assembly, like pay equity legislation, to small technical changes in statute recommended by agencies and commissions.
In this article, we’ll focus on the laws that will potentially change insurance policies in Connecticut.
1. $12 Homeowner Insurance Surcharge
A $12 surcharge will be applied over the next 11 years to certain homeowner insurance policies. Most of the surcharge will be deposited into the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund.
“The amount of money. The hundreds of thousands of dollars that some of these people have to pay, it’s needed. $12 wont hurt me,” remarked Maryanne Midura of Hartford.
2. Insurance Coverage Of Essential Health Benefits
Certain health insurance policies will have to cover 10 essential health benefits that are listed in the Affordable Care Act.The act also requires certain health insurance policies to cover specified benefits and services, including preventive health care services; immunizations; and contraceptive drugs, devices, and products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A special enrollment period is a time outside of open-enrollment when eligible individuals may apply for health insurance.
3. Pregnancy As a Qualifying Event For Special Enrollment
Certain health insurance plans will be mandated to allow special enrollment for pregnant women. It applies to individual health plans subject to the ACA HMOs, and hospital and medical service corporation contracts offered to individuals.
4. Expansion of Monograms Coverage for Breast Imaging Services
This act expands the types of breast imaging services that certain health insurance policies must cover. It does so by defining “mammogram” as a mammographic examination or breast tomosynthesis, including any procedure with one of 13 specific Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) billing codes or any subsequent corresponding codes.
5. Electronic Proof of Auto Insurance
6. Regulation of Uber and Lyft
A new law will require transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to register with the Department of Transportation, perform background checks on drivers and establish insurance requirements for drivers.
The act also allows taxi companies to use apps to calculate rates.
Digital Marketing Director
Pawson Insurance | Legal Disclaimer |
Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your agent for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. Statements on this website as to policies and coverages provide general information only. This information is not an offer to sell insurance.