Overview
- Effective Jan. 1, state employees no longer pay copays or deductibles for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under the state group health plan.
- Providers that identify patient overpayments must issue refunds within 30 days, with facilities facing $500 fines per violation and practitioners subject to Department of Health discipline for noncompliance.
- Pet insurance is now regulated as property insurance with required disclosures on coverage and claims, a 30‑day full‑refund cancellation window, and limits on wellness‑program marketing and tying.
- The Division of State Group Insurance projects the breast imaging change will raise annual claims costs for the state plan by about $3.6 million.
- Enforcement and implementation responsibilities fall to the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Department of Health, and the Division of State Group Insurance.