Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

Vermont House Bill H0011

Introduced
1/5/23  

Caption

An act relating to commercial insurance coverage of epinephrine auto-injectors

Impact

If enacted, H0011 will have a significant impact on state health laws regarding insurance coverage standards. It will add provisions to the current health insurance framework under Vermont law, creating a requirement that could enhance the financial accessibility of epinephrine auto-injectors for individuals in need. This could set a precedent for further legislation aimed at improving healthcare coverage for critical medical necessities and potentially expand to other similar medications or emergency treatment devices in the future.

Summary

House Bill H0011 aims to enhance healthcare access by mandating that commercial health insurance plans provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors without any deductible, coinsurance, co-payment, or other cost-sharing requirements. This legislative measure is designed to alleviate the financial burden on individuals who require these life-saving devices, particularly those with severe allergies that can lead to anaphylaxis. By ensuring that these auto-injectors are fully covered, the bill seeks to promote timely access to necessary medical care and prevent potentially fatal allergic reactions.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at enhancing health accessibility, discussions surrounding its implementation may reveal points of contention among stakeholders. Insurance companies might express concerns about the increased costs of providing full coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors, which could lead to higher premiums for consumers. On the other hand, advocates for public health and consumer rights may argue that the health benefits and potential lives saved by requiring full coverage outweigh the financial implications for insurers. Thus, the debate may focus on balancing healthcare access against economic sustainability for insurance providers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VT H1206

Relative to epinephrine injectors

VT H4943

Relative to epinephrine injectors

VT HB1670

Health insurance; cost-sharing for epinephrine injectors.

VT HB928

In epinephrine auto-injector entities, further providing for definitions and for epinephrine auto-injectors for authorized entities; and making an editorial change.

VT SB1067

In epinephrine auto-injector entities, further providing for definitions and for epinephrine auto-injectors for authorized entities; and making an editorial change.

VT HB1044

In epinephrine auto-injector entities, further providing for scope of chapter, for definitions and for epinephrine auto-injectors for authorized entities; and making an editorial change.

VT HB2117

In school health services, further providing for definitions, for possession and use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, for school access to emergency epinephrine and for administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by school bus drivers and school crossing guards.

VT HB1043

In school health services, further providing for definitions, for possession and use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, for school access to emergency epinephrine and for administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by school bus drivers and school crossing guards.

VT SB611

Relating to a statewide standing order prescribing epinephrine auto-injectors to public and private schools.

VT HB339

School districts; require all schools to have epinephrine auto-injectors in every building and cafeteria.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.