Insurance Committee Hears Rep. Buckbee, Morrissey Family Testimony Supporting Legislative Package to Strengthen Addiction Treatment Coverage Requirements

Hartford – On Thursday morning the legislature’s Insurance Committee held a public hearing to consider public comments on a package of well-intentioned bills aimed at providing improved insurance coverage guidelines for those battling opioid addiction. State Representative Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) joined Tracey and Tony Morrissey, champions of Brian Cody’s Law, to testify in support of three separate legislative proposals.

Many supporters of Brian Cody’s law were also in attendance at the hearing and participated by speaking in favor of the proposed legislation. These three bills will ultimately ensure that there is easier access to resources for individuals striving to recover from opioid-related illnesses.

The list of bills the group testified in support of included:

• B. 5254: An Act Requiring Health Insurance Coverage for Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
• B. 5256: An Act Concerning Required Health Insurance Coverage for Detoxification and Substance Abuse Services
• B. 5248: An Act Establishing A Task Force to Study Health Insurance Coverage for Peer Support Services in This State

“New Milford’s Police Department has done a wonderful job in spearheading a response to the increasing opioid crisis. Late last year, the department created and implemented a ‘Special Navigator’ to assist those in critical points of their recovery,” stated Rep. Buckbee. “These bills ensure, at the state level, that resources for individuals in recovery are not taken away prematurely. Further, they explore mechanisms in which those seeking treatment can be put into contact with qualified personnel to guide them through the process of utilizing opioid use disorder recovery resources effectively.”

The Morrissey’s shared specific details about their son’s struggle and indicated where these types of laws could have been helpful to him. If Brian Cody had not been denied access to certain resources, then his family believes he would still be here today.

According to Rep. Buckbee, there are three recovery stages that can be immediately improved through the passage of this legislative package. The first stage provides an affordable path to recovery, taking as much financial stress off individuals in order to allow them to focus on their individual health needs. The second, ensures that there is also no financial barrier to getting much-needed medication when patients are released from certain programs. The third seeks to provide quality peer support services that encourage and promote healthy lifestyles, incentivizing those struggling with addiction to seek additional help when needed.

It is expected that Brian Cody’s Law supporters and Rep. Buckbee will be participating in more hearings over the coming days. The Insurance Committee’s receptiveness to comments on the immediate need to bolster insurance coverage for recovery resources was a positive indicator that this set of bills will be acted upon favorably this session.

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