Sec. 38a-518t. Mandatory coverage for prosthetic devices.

(a) As used in this section, “prosthetic device” means an artificial limb device to replace, in whole or in part, an arm or a leg, including a device that contains a microprocessor if such microprocessor-equipped device is determined by the insured's or enrollee's health care provider to be medically necessary. “Prosthetic device” does not include a device that is designed exclusively for athletic purposes.

(b) (1) Each group health insurance policy providing coverage of the types specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or continued in this state shall provide coverage for prosthetic devices that is at least equivalent to that provided under Medicare. Such coverage may be limited to a prosthetic device that is determined by the insured's or enrollee's health care provider to be the most appropriate to meet the medical needs of the insured or enrollee. Such prosthetic device shall not be considered durable medical equipment under such policy.

(2) Such policy shall provide coverage for the medically necessary repair or replacement of a prosthetic device, as determined by the insured's or enrollee's health care provider, unless such repair or replacement is necessitated by misuse or loss.

(3) No such policy shall impose a coinsurance, copayment, deductible or other out-of-pocket expense for a prosthetic device that is more restrictive than that imposed on substantially all other benefits provided under such policy, except that a high deductible plan, as that term is used in subsection (f) of section 38a-520, shall not be subject to the deductible limits set forth in this subdivision or under Medicare pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(c) A group health insurance policy may require prior authorization for prosthetic devices, provided such authorization is required in the same manner and to the same extent as is required for other covered benefits under such policy.

(P.A. 18-69, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 18-69 effective January 1, 2019.

Notation

See Sec. 38a-492t for similar provisions re individual policies.