HB 6975, An Act Requiring A Biennial Study Of Payment Parity For Services Under Certain Individual And Group Health Insurance Policies In The State And The Husky Health Program

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6975, An Act Requiring A Biennial Study Of Payment Parity For Services Under Certain Individual And Group Health Insurance Policies In The State And The Husky Health Program. CHA supports this bill.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

HB 6975 calls for the Commissioner of Health Strategy, in consultation with the Insurance Commissioner and the Commissioner of Social Services, to study whether there is payment parity in the commercial market between providers of mental health services and other healthcare services and in the HUSKY Health Program between providers of mental health services and other healthcare services. Additionally, the legislation requires study of whether payment parity exists for mental health services between the commercial market and the HUSKY Health Program.

CHA supports this study, as it underscores the importance of ensuring the availability of mental health services equal to that of other healthcare services. Demand for mental health services continues to grow, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and lack of payment adequacy should not be the reason individuals in Connecticut cannot access critical mental health services.

One of the legislative policy recommendations outlined in the Comptroller’s 2025 Healthcare Cabinet Report in relation to behavioral health is ensuring parity in mental health treatment reimbursement rates. As the report emphasizes, addressing the workforce shortage in this field requires more than just training and incentivizing new professionals to enter the profession. It is equally vital to have a robust financial structure that supports the delivery of child, adolescent, and adult behavioral health services.

We believe this study is critical as it will inform where gaps in payment occur and help identify where improvements must be made to ensure access to care. CHA looks forward to partnering with the legislature on this important initiative.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.