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HB 5388

AN ACT CONCERNING PROCESSING FEES FOR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Craig Fishbein and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill caps processing fees healthcare providers can charge for medical records submitted with disability retirement applications to reduce financial barriers for applicants.

FILE NO. 102
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Bill Summary · HB 5388

Legislative bill overview

HB 5388 regulates the fees that healthcare providers can charge for processing and copying medical records when those records are being submitted for disability retirement applications. The bill aims to standardize or limit these processing fees, which currently vary widely among providers and can create financial barriers for public employees seeking disability retirement benefits.

Why is this important

Public employees applying for disability retirement often need multiple medical records from various providers, and cumulative processing fees can reach hundreds of dollars—creating a financial burden precisely when applicants may be unable to work. Standardizing or capping these fees removes a potential obstacle to accessing earned disability benefits and ensures more equitable treatment across different healthcare systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on healthcare providers: Medical offices argue that processing medical records requests requires staff time and resources; limiting fees could shift costs onto healthcare systems already operating on thin margins.
  • Fee structure clarity: The bill's specific fee limits (or absence thereof) will determine whether the impact is meaningful; overly generous caps may not address the original cost barrier problem.
  • Scope definition: Ambiguity about which records requests qualify (disability retirement only vs. broader applicability) could create administrative confusion or loopholes.

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

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