Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill to Improve Efficiency & Accessibility in Health Insurance Communications

SB25-010 would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from their health insurance provider

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to improve efficiency and accessibility in health insurance communications passed the Senate today. 

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, SB25-010 would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. 

“There are many benefits to making electronic communications the default for health insurance communications,” said Mullica. “This bill would provide consumers with information in real-time with technology they are already comfortable with, keep sensitive data safe, reduce waste, and lower administrative costs. This bill is a win-win for Coloradans and health care providers alike.” 

SB25-010 would mirror the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ “E-Commerce Model Act,” which seeks to improve the quality of insurance regulation and oversight. Twenty other states have enacted similar legislation.

Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. 

SB25-010 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.