Connecticut Senate Bill SB00217

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Mental And Behavioral Health Parity.

Impact

The bill seeks to extend reporting requirements for the Insurance Commissioner, health carriers, and managed care organizations, which will pertain to the all-payer claims database related to mental and behavioral health. It also aims to modify the information included in the consumer report card required by existing legislation, contributing to greater transparency in mental health services provided by insurers. Additionally, the bill reinforces compliance with the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which mandates that mental health conditions be treated equivalently to physical health conditions in insurance coverage.

Summary

SB00217 is an act concerning mental and behavioral health parity, which aims to amend state statutes to improve health insurance coverage for mental health services. The primary components of the bill include requiring certain health insurance policies to cover screenings for mental or nervous conditions during annual physical examinations. This requirement is an important step towards ensuring that mental health is treated on par with physical health, addressing a long-standing issue of inequity in healthcare coverage.

Contention

While the overall goals of the bill are seen as positive steps towards improving mental health services, there may be contention regarding the implementation of increased reporting requirements and compliance measures. Some stakeholders in the insurance industry could express concerns about the potential costs associated with these new reporting mandates. However, proponents argue that such measures will ultimately lead to better mental health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system that acknowledges the importance of mental health.