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Bill

S 7447

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne related pathogens

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan and 4 co-sponsors

Bill S 7447 mandates health insurers to cover long-term care for Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses, improving access and reducing costs for affected patients.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
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Bill Summary · S 7447

Summary of Bill S 7447

Bill Number: S 7447
Title: Requires health insurers to provide coverage for long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick-borne related pathogens
Status: Referred to Insurance
Introduced: April 16, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 7447 aims to mandate that health insurance providers offer coverage for long-term medical care specifically related to Lyme disease and other illnesses caused by tick-borne pathogens. The intent of this legislation is to address the growing concern over the long-term health effects of these diseases, which can significantly impact the quality of life for affected individuals.

Key Provisions

  • Coverage Requirement: The bill requires health insurers to include long-term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in their health plans.
  • Definition of Long-Term Care: While the bill does not specify the exact definition of "long-term medical care," it is generally understood to encompass ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and management of chronic symptoms associated with these diseases.
  • Insurance Policy Adjustments: Insurers will need to adjust their policies to comply with this requirement, ensuring that patients have access to necessary treatments without facing prohibitive out-of-pocket costs.

Affected Parties

  • Patients: Individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses will benefit from improved access to necessary long-term medical care.
  • Health Insurers: Insurance companies will need to revise their coverage policies and potentially adjust premium rates to accommodate the new requirements.
  • Healthcare Providers: Medical professionals treating Lyme disease and related conditions may see an increase in patient referrals and a need for more comprehensive treatment plans.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of April 16, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Insurance Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative effort, with several related bills from prior sessions (S 46, S 3478, S 4713, S 426, S 998, S 3232) indicating ongoing legislative interest in addressing tick-borne diseases and their impacts.

Conclusion

Bill S 7447 represents a significant step towards ensuring that individuals suffering from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses receive the long-term medical care they need. By mandating coverage, the bill seeks to alleviate the financial burden on patients and improve health outcomes for those affected by these conditions. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for patients and insurers will continue to be closely monitored.

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

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