State Senator Eric Berthel Testifies on Behalf of Insurance Coverage for Bariatric Surgery

February 14, 2019

Hartford—State Senator Eric Berthel today testified before the General Assembly’s Insurance & Real Estate Committee on behalf of his bill (SB 317) to require insurance companies to cover the cost of bariatric surgery in Connecticut.

Hartford—State Senator Eric Berthel today testified before the General Assembly’s Insurance & Real Estate Committee on behalf of his bill (SB 317) to require insurance companies to cover the cost of bariatric surgery in Connecticut.

“Doctors tell us that obesity is second only to smoking as a cause of premature death,” said Sen. Berthel. “Obese individuals have much higher risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Most of these people know the risks of obesity, and they try every diet and exercise regimen to lose weight. For some folks nothing works, and bariatric and metabolic surgery is the only hope. I was one of these individuals, and I can testify that it has added years to my life.

“Unfortunately, bariatric and metabolic surgery is not covered by most insurance plans sold in Connecticut, though it is available to individuals on the state Husky plans. Here is a rare instance of state government understanding something that the private sector doesn’t! This life-saving procedure reduces healthcare costs in the long run, by allowing people to live healthier and more productive lives.”