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Bill

SB 445

AN ACT CONCERNING PATIENT CHOICE AND CONTINUITY OF CARE DURING HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT DISPUTES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 1 co-sponsor

SB 445 guarantees patient access to current healthcare providers during insurance contract disputes to prevent treatment interruptions and financial disruption.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Insurance and Real Estate
#contracts #healthinsurance #patients'rights
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Bill Summary · SB 445

Legislative bill overview

SB 445 establishes protections for patients when health insurance contracts are in dispute between insurers and healthcare providers. The bill ensures continuity of care by allowing patients to continue treatment with their current providers during contract negotiations or disputes, rather than losing access mid-treatment. It likely includes provisions for temporary in-network coverage rates and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Why is this important

Contract disputes between insurers and providers can leave patients caught in the middle, facing sudden loss of coverage, provider network changes, or forced interruptions in ongoing treatment. This bill addresses a genuine gap in consumer protection by prioritizing patient welfare over contractual timelines. The real-world impact affects continuity of chronic disease management, ongoing surgeries or treatments, and prevents financial surprises for patients during vulnerable health periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation during disputes: Unclear whether insurers or providers bear financial responsibility during disputed periods, potentially shifting costs and affecting insurance premiums or provider compensation
  • Dispute duration limits: The bill may not specify how long continuity protections last, creating indefinite obligations that could discourage good-faith negotiations
  • Definition of "active treatment": Determining what qualifies for continued coverage (new diagnoses vs. ongoing care, elective vs. emergency) could create disputes and administrative complexity
  • Network adequacy standards: Providers might exploit protections by increasing costs, while insurers might restrict which providers qualify for dispute-period coverage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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