S.B. 160

1

PROVISION FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
2 1999 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Sponsor: Howard C. Nielson
5 AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE; REQUIRING THE COMMISSIONER TO ESTABLISH
6 MINIMUM STANDARDS OF COVERAGE FOR DIABETES; AND PROVIDING AN
7 EFFECTIVE DATE.
8 This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
9 ENACTS:
10 31A-22-625, Utah Code Annotated 1953
11 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
12 Section 1. Section 31A-22-625 is enacted to read:
13 31A-22-625. Coverage of diabetes.
14 (1) As used in this section, "diabetes" includes individuals with:
15 (a) complete insulin deficiency or type 1 diabetes;
16 (b) insulin resistant with partial insulin deficiency or type 2 diabetes; and
17 (c) elevated blood glucose levels induced by pregnancy or gestational diabetes.
18 (2) The commissioner shall establish, by rule, minimum standards of coverage for diabetes
19 for disability insurance policies that provide a health insurance benefit before July 1, 1999.
20 (3) In making rules under Subsection (2), the commissioner shall require rules:
21 (a) with durational limits, amount limits, deductibles, and coinsurance for the treatment
22 of diabetes equitable or identical to coverage provided for the treatment of other illnesses or
23 diseases;
24 (b) that ensure an adequate formulary of new or improved equipment, appliances, supplies,
25 insulin, or prescription drugs for the treatment of diabetes upon approval by the federal Food and
26 Drug Administration; and
27 (c) that provide coverage for:

28 (i) diabetes self-management education; and
29 (ii) the following equipment, supplies, and appliances to treat diabetes when medically
30 necessary:
31 (A) blood glucose monitors, including those for the legally blind;
32 (B) test strips for blood glucose monitors;
33 (C) visual reading urine and ketone strips;
34 (D) lancets and lancet devices;
35 (E) insulin;
36 (F) injection aides, including those adaptable to meet the needs of the legally blind, and
37 infusion delivery systems;
38 (G) syringes;
39 (H) prescriptive oral agents for controlling blood sugar levels;
40 (I) glucagon kits; and
41 (J) podiatric appliances for prevention of feet complications associated with diabetes,
42 including therapeutic molded or depth-inlay shoes, functional orthotics, custom molded inserts,
43 replacement inserts, preventive devices, and shoe modification for prevention and treatment.
44 Section 2. Effective date.
45 This act takes effect on July 1, 1999.




Legislative Review Note
as of 2-4-99 2:32 PM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel