Rep. Rutigliano Testifies on Proposal to Support Good Samaritans

From the Connecticut House of Republicans: State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-123) testified in the Insurance and Real Estate committee on his proposal to stop insurers from denying coverage or charging a higher premium if an individual has previous claims histories concerning Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan).

Rep. Rutigliano was pleased by the positive reception the legislation, HB-6087 An Act Restricting the Use of Prior Claims Histories Concerning Naloxone Hydrochloride received by members of the Insurance committee during the public hearing.

“We are receiving reports that some people who have filled the prescription for Narcan are being denied life insurance and disability insurance or are being quoted an increased rate for health insurance,” Rep. Rutigliano said.

According to Rep. Rutigliano state residents are being red flagged for possible drug addiction or simply as the ‘use of drugs.’ We must educate that Narcan cannot be self-administered; it is one of the only prescriptions that you have to have filled for others.

“Connecticut has been encouraging people to carry Narcan and we have done our best to make it more available to first responders in the general public,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “We believe the people should be encouraged to carry this life-saving drug and we ask that you remove what could be a potential barrier to this goal.

Our neighboring state of Massachusetts has recently taken action advising life and disability insurers not to deny coverage to Good Samaritan’s who carry the overdose reversal drug.

Photo courtesy of the Connecticut House of Republicans