§ 4089. Services for victims of sexual assault

(a) A health insurer shall not impose any co-payment or coinsurance or, to the extent permitted under federal law, deductible or other cost-sharing requirement for the sexual assault examination of a victim of alleged sexual assault for health care services associated with specific procedure codes identified in a memorandum of understanding between the health insurer and the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) “Health insurer” shall have the same meaning as in 18 V.S.A. § 9402.

(2) “Sexual assault examination” means either or both of the following:

(A) a physical examination of the patient, documentation of biological and physical findings, and collection of evidence; and

(B) treatment of the patient’s injuries; providing care for sexually transmitted infections; assessing pregnancy risk; discussing treatment options including reproductive health services, screening for the human immunodeficiency virus, and prophylactic treatment when appropriate; and providing instructions and referrals for follow-up care. (Added 2015, No. 34, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2015.)