Senate Approves Michaelson Jenet Bill to Require Continuity of Health Care Coverage

Legislation would require new insurance providers to cover existing courses of treatment as in-network for transferring enrollees

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would require continuity of health care coverage passed the Senate today.

If a person is disenrolled from their health plan and begins receiving coverage from a new insurance provider for certain existing courses of treatment, SB24-093 would require the new provider to cover the treatment as in-network until the course of treatment is completed or for up to 90 days.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Right now, if you change insurance providers while undergoing a course of treatment, you risk losing in-network coverage guaranteed by your original provider. This important bill would require new insurance providers to continue in-network coverage for existing courses of treatment, ensuring more Coloradans can afford to have their health needs met with the health care providers they trust.”

Qualifying medical circumstances covered by the bill include serious and complex medical conditions, pregnancy, and terminal illness. After the coverage timeframes outlined in the bill have been reached, the new insurance provider would be able to conduct a utilization review to determine continued treatment or authorize additional treatment.

SB24-093 will now head to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.