Policy Update: Women's Rights & Healthcare

October 8, 2019

As you know, I care about keeping open lines of communication with you all, to discuss what matters most to you and to keep you up to date on where we are making progress and where we are struggling to move policy efforts forward. There were some real wins this session, and some policy pieces we will have to come back swinging on in 2020.

The legislature passed over 250 bills this year. Over the next several weeks I'll be sharing highlights on various topics.

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

Women's Rights & Healthcare

HB 7424, As part of the budget we passed legislation that will require health insurance coverage for baseline mammograms for any woman who is 30 years or older, has a recommendation from her doctor, has a personal history of breast disease through the biopsy of a benign tumor, or has a family or personal history of breast cancer. It also prohibits insurance from charging co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles and other out of pocket expenses for breast ultrasounds and mammograms.

HB 7396, AN ACT CONCERNING PARITY BETWEEN SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE CASE OF SPOUSAL OR COHABITATING RELATIONSHIP AND OTHER CRIMES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CONCERNING THE INVESTIGATION OF A FAMILY VIOLENCE CRIME.
Guarantees all victims of sexual assault regardless of their relationship with the abuser will have access to the same legal protections.

HB 6522, AN ACT CONCERNING CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION IN SCREENING FOR INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER AND GASTROINTESTINAL CANCERS.
Raises awareness and education regarding certain rare cancers increasing the chances of early diagnosis.

HB 7165,  AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR DONOR BREAST MILK.
To provide Medicaid reimbursement for donor breast milk deemed medically necessary.

HB 5521, AN ACT EXPANDING REQUIRED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PREEXISTING CONDITIONS.
Requires Short term insurance provides coverage for preexisting conditions.

SB 3, AN ACT COMBATTING SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT.
Enhances employer-sponsored training on sexual harassment; extends the statute of limitations applicable to certain personal injury actions involving sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual assault; increases penalties for sexually assaulting a mentally incapacitated person, and, eliminates or extends the statute of limitations for the prosecution of sexual assault crimes and certain risk of injury to children offenses.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 860-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.