Insurance and Real Estate Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5257
AN ACT REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PRESCRIPTION
EYEGLASSES FOR COVERED DEPENDENT CHILDREN WHO ARE
Title: YOUNGER THAN NINETEEN YEARS OF AGE.
Vote Date: 3/10/2020
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/10/2020
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Insurance and Real Estate Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
The bill was made to cover the cost of prescription eyeglasses for children under the age of 19. This
would aid low income families the most who would otherwise not have been able to afford the
eyeglasses for their children.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians supports the bill especially if amended to cover for broken
pair of glasses as it will help many children who might have permanent vision and education setbacks
without them.
Dr. Brian T Lynch supports the bill as it would help families get coverage for their children who need
glasses but expresses concern over it being another mandate.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Connecticut Association Health Plans opposes the bill as burden of the cost would fall on the self-
insured plans. The current ratio of self-insured plans to fully insured plans CT is nearing 60 % to 40 %.
Michelle Rakebrand, Assistant Counsel, The Connecticut Business & Industry Association
opposes this bill as it is another mandate that would impose additional costs on small business that they
would not be able to afford.
Reported by: Lawrence Sanchez Date: 03/31/2020