Mental health and substance use disorder benefits; requiring certain plans and Medicaid provide reimbursement for care pursuant to collaborative care model; allowing for denial in certain circumstances. Effective date.
Impact
If enacted, SB444 would significantly enhance the landscape of mental health care provisions in Oklahoma, mandating that insurers include mental health and substance abuse benefits in their plans. By further aligning state policy with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the bill aims to diminish the disparities in coverage between mental health and physical health services. This change is crucial for offering a comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses the mental health crisis impacting many communities in the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 444 (SB444) addresses the reimbursement requirements for mental health and substance abuse disorder benefits within the state of Oklahoma. The bill requires that all health benefit plans operating in the state, as well as the Oklahoma Medicaid Program, provide reimbursement for mental health services delivered through specific care models known as behavioral health integration and psychiatric collaborative care. This legislation aims to improve access to mental health treatment by ensuring that such care is financially supported by insurance providers and state programs based on established billing practices.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding SB444 appears to be favorable, as it is viewed by many legislators as a necessary step to bolster mental health care access. Supporters argue that the bill represents progress towards inclusivity in healthcare funding, asserting the importance of mental health on par with physical health. However, there may be apprehensions regarding how effectively the reimbursement models will be implemented and whether they will adequately meet the burgeoning demand for mental health services.
Contention
While SB444 enjoys general support, there are notable concerns that persist among some stakeholders. Critics may argue that insufficient guidelines for reimbursement could lead to difficulties in accessing care or delays in treatment for patients who need immediate assistance. Furthermore, there is potential contention regarding the adequacy of the current mental health infrastructure to support the anticipated influx of patients eligible for covered services under the bill, which could complicate the implementation of these provisions.
Carry Over
Mental health and substance use disorder benefits; requiring certain plans and Medicaid provide reimbursement for care pursuant to collaborative care model; allowing for denial in certain circumstances. Effective date.
Mental health and substance use disorder benefits; requiring certain plans and Medicaid provide reimbursement for care pursuant to collaborative care model; allowing for denial in certain circumstances. Effective date.
Substance abuse services; requiring Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to provide emergency opioid antagonists and education; requiring Department of Corrections and county jails to provide emergency opioid antagonists to certain persons subject to certain condition. Effective date.
Hospitals; requiring Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to distribute emergency opioid antagonists to hospitals; requiring hospitals to distribute emergency opioid antagonist to certain persons upon discharge except under certain conditions; granting certain immunities. Effective date.
Behavioral health; requiring health insurer to cover certain out-of-network services under certain circumstances; providing exceptions. Effective date.
Mental health; requiring the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to issue certain request for proposals subject to availability of funds; transferring certain duties. Effective date. Emergency.
Health benefit plan directories; directing plans to publish certain information in a publicly accessible manner; requiring reporting to Insurance Commissioner. Effective date.
Mental health; creating the Mental Health Transport Revolving Fund; modifying procedures and requirements for transport of persons requiring treatment. Effective date.
Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.