A piece of legislation aimed at increasing access to preventative interventions for minors who are at risk of exposure to HIV has passed the state House.  The bill was introduced by Bethel Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan. 

Despite the decline in overall HIV cases, he says the rate of HIV infections increased in Connecticut last year.  Allie-Brennan says the bill will allow young people to access potentially lifesaving preventative care without putting themselves at risk of parental rejection or abuse. PrEP also increases routine testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections as a prescription requirement, prioritizing an individual’s well-being. 

He is also touting House passage of a bill expanding required health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.  Allie-Brennan says the conditions would be covered, regardless of whether medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received before insurance started.  

It repeals redundant exceptions that limit mandatory coverage for breast cancer survivors.  It also requires short-term insurance policies to include the same pre-existing conditions provision as other individual and group health insurance policies.