Narrow network plans have not seen widespread implementation in Connecticut, according to the report. However, Insurance Commissioner Katharine Wade said allowing the state’s health insurance exchange, Access Health CT, to offer narrower plans could be a way to offset rising costs.
Ms. Wade told The CT Mirror she sees “an opportunity for real cost savings” with narrow network plans. “But the thing that’s really important, and we want to make sure, is that people are fully understanding the decisions they’re making. We don’t want people to make decisions on price and not understand that there may be limitations on that choice.”
The Connecticut State Medical Society expressed a contrasting opinion. The society told The CT Mirror Access Health CT’s decision to allow narrower networks is “bewildering,” and could impede care access for patients seeking treatment from out-of-network providers, according to the report.
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