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HB 6141

AN ACT REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FOLLOWING SKIN CANCER ON THE FACE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Herron Gaston and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut mandates health insurers cover reconstructive facial surgery following skin cancer removal, removing barriers to post-cancer appearance restoration procedures.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Insurance and Real Estate
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Bill Summary · HB 6141

Legislative bill overview

HB 6141 mandates that health insurance plans in Connecticut must cover reconstructive surgery following facial skin cancer removal. The bill ensures that patients who undergo skin cancer treatment on the face have access to reconstructive procedures to restore appearance and function. This applies to covered individuals under state-regulated insurance plans.

Why is this important

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma and non-melanoma types, frequently occurs on the face due to sun exposure. Reconstructive surgery after cancer removal can significantly improve patients' physical appearance, psychological well-being, and quality of life, but these procedures are often denied or inadequately covered by insurers as "cosmetic." Mandating coverage removes financial barriers that may prevent patients from pursuing medically necessary reconstructive care.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Insurers and employers may argue this expands covered services, increasing premiums and healthcare costs for all covered individuals
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may lack clear criteria distinguishing medically necessary reconstruction from elective cosmetic surgery, potentially leading to coverage disputes and litigation
  • Scope limitations: The bill specifically targets facial surgery, raising questions about why reconstruction on other body parts affected by skin cancer wouldn't receive similar protections
  • Insurance market effects: Smaller insurers or plans may face disproportionate cost burdens, potentially affecting insurance availability or affordability in certain markets

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

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