Insurance: health insurers; certain annual reports of nonprofit health care corporations; require. Amends 1980 PA 350 (MCL 550.1101 - 550.1704) by adding sec. 414c.
Impact
The impact of HB5347 is significant, as it seeks to improve transparency and accountability among health insurers, specifically concerning mental health and substance use treatments. By requiring detailed reporting on treatment limitations, this bill supports the provision of equitable health care services and ensures that patients have access to comprehensive coverage. The intent is to address existing gaps in treatment access for mental health issues and substance use disorders, areas that often receive less attention than physical health care. This amendment can lead to improved coverage standards and better health outcomes for patients requiring these essential services.
Summary
House Bill 5347 is a legislative measure that aims to amend the 1980 Public Act 350, which governs nonprofit health care corporations in Michigan. The bill introduces Section 414c, which mandates that health care corporations which issue or renew group or nongroup certificates must submit annual reports to the Director of Insurance and Financial Services. These reports are to include comparative analyses concerning nonquantitative treatment limitations applied to mental health and substance use disorder benefits, as delineated in federal law (42 USC 300gg-26(a)(8)(A)). This requirement is set to begin by March 1, 2025, and will continue annually thereafter.
Contention
While the bill is primarily focused on enhancing the quality of care for mental health and substance use concerns, it may face opposition from certain stakeholders. Health care corporations might view the new reporting requirements as an additional regulatory burden that complicates their operational processes. There may also be debates regarding the adequacy of the federal baseline standards and whether the state-level requirements are stringent enough. Advocates for mental health may push for stronger regulations to ensure that treatment limitations do not disproportionately affect patients, while opponents may argue for less regulation to avoid hindering insurance flexibility.
Insurance: health benefits; nonprofit health care corporation to panel a mental health provider within a certain time period of the application process; require. Amends 1980 PA 350 (MCL 550.1101 - 550.1704) by adding sec. 414c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5343'23
Insurance: health insurers; certain annual reports of health insurers relating to mental health parity; require. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406cc.
Insurance: health insurers; definition of health care insurer; include automobile insurers providing personal injury protection coverage. Amends sec. 2 of 1984 PA 323 (MCL 752.1002).
Insurance: health insurers; compliance with affordable care act coverage; modify. Amends secs. 3403, 3406z, 3406bb & 3406ii of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3403 et seq.).
Insurance: health insurers; equitable coverage for behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment; provide for. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406hh.
Insurance: health insurers; compliance with affordable care act coverage; modify. Amends secs. 3403, 3406z, 3406bb, 3406hh & 3406ii of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3403 et seq.).
Insurance: health insurers; coverage for intermediate and outpatient care for substance use disorder; modify. Amends secs. 2212e & 3425 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.2212e & 500.3425).
Health facilities: certificate of need; nonprofit health care corporation reform act; amend to reflect amendments to the public health code. Amends secs. 401, 417 & 502 of 1980 PA 350 (MCL 550.1401 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5477'24