Tennessee House Bill HB7088

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23
• Refer: 8/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to coverage of mental health services.

Impact

The bill has substantial implications for state laws surrounding mental health services. It specifically requires all state healthcare entities, which include insurers and managed care organizations, to comply with the parity requirement and provides clear definitions of what constitutes mental illness and substance use disorder. This change is intended to eliminate exclusions or limitations on mental health benefits that are not present in coverage for physical ailments. The goal is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their needs, receive equitable treatment options under health insurance plans in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 7088, also known as the Mental Health Parity Act, seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically in relation to the coverage of mental health services. The bill mandates that state healthcare entities provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorders in accordance with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. This includes ensuring that mental health coverage is as comprehensive and extensive as that provided for physical illnesses. The implementation of the bill aims to improve access to mental health care and level the playing field between mental and physical health services in Tennessee.

Sentiment

Generally, the sentiment around HB 7088 is supportive, particularly among advocates for mental health and addiction recovery. Proponents argue that the bill represents a significant step towards tackling the long-standing disparities in the availability and quality of mental health services compared to physical health services. However, there may also be concerns from some insurers regarding the financial implications of expanded coverage, which could lead to increased costs.

Contention

Despite the overall supportive sentiment, there are notable points of contention regarding the potential financial impact on state healthcare entities, and the capacity of these entities to meet the new coverage requirements. Some stakeholders express concern about the adequacy of resources available to implement the expanded services. Discussions highlight the balance between ensuring adequate mental health care access and maintaining the financial viability of health insurance models in Tennessee.