House Republican Press Release

June 27, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Miller: Governor Signs Health Insurance Bill

New law requires group health insurance coverage of routine patient costs associated with clinical trials for the treatment of serious or life-threatening diseases

HARTFORD- State Representative Larry Miller (R-122) joined Governor M. Jodi Rell as she signed SB 389, An Act Concerning Hospitalization At An Out-Of-Network Facility During Treatment In Cancer Clinical Trials into law.  The new law requires group health insurance coverage of routine patient costs that are associated with clinical trials for the treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.  Representative Miller co-sponsored the bill.

Under current law, HMO contracts must cover all medically necessary hospitalization services and other routine patient care costs associated with certain cancer clinical trials.  The new law specifies that the required hospitalization coverage includes treatment at an out-of network facility that is not contracted with the HMO, if it is not available at an in-network facility and paid for by clinical trial sponsors. 

“This is an important measure, and I applaud Governor Rell for signing it into law,” said Representative Miller, who is a cancer survivor.  “When someone is facing the challenges of trying to beat a life-threatening disease, the last thing they need is a bureaucratic road-block preventing them from getting the help and the treatment they need.  Now, when the only hope for someone is a clinical trial that is out-of network, there will be no denial, or lengthy legal wrangling.”

The new law takes effect immediately.