AN ACT CONCERNING PATIENT CHOICE AND CONTINUITY OF CARE DURING HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACT DISPUTES.

SB 445 allows patients to switch health insurance plans without penalties when their provider is deemed out-of-network due to a dispute between the provider and insurer. It directly affects covered individuals whose current plan includes a provider locked out of-network during such disputes. The bill's key provision lets these patients terminate their current policy and enroll in a new plan with in-network coverage, avoiding early termination fees, higher premiums, or coverage gaps. This ensures continuity of care by preventing financial or coverage disruptions during insurance contract disputes. The bill modifies Connecticut's health insurance laws to prioritize patient access during provider-insurer conflicts.