Relating to group health benefit plan coverage for certain mental illnesses and the amount of the franchise tax incentive for certain small employers that provide health care benefits to employees.
Impact
The adjustment in the Insurance Code under this bill affects how group health benefit plans operate. Specifically, it compels insurance providers to treat mental health conditions with the same seriousness as physical ailments, potentially leading to increased costs for insurers. This is aimed at increasing the accessibility of mental health services, which have traditionally faced barriers in terms of insurance coverage. By emphasizing mental health parity, the legislation seeks to reduce stigma and improve mental health care access across the state.
Summary
House Bill 3460 is designed to enhance coverage for certain mental illnesses under group health benefit plans in Texas. The bill mandates that group health plans provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of serious mental illnesses on par with the coverage for physical illnesses. This includes specific requirements such as providing a minimum of 45 days of inpatient care and 60 outpatient visits annually, demonstrating a commitment to parity in mental health and physical health treatment options. Additionally, the bill prohibits lifetime caps on inpatient days and outpatient visits, ensuring ongoing access to necessary services.
Contention
While proponents of HB3460 tout the necessity of mental health parity and better insurance coverage for critical mental health services, there are concerns regarding the fiscal implications for small employers. The bill includes incentives in the form of franchise tax reductions for small businesses that provide healthcare benefits to their employees. However, some stakeholders argue that the financial burden of complying with these requirements could outweigh the potential benefits, leading to apprehensions about the sustainability of small business health care offerings. This aspect has generated discussion around balancing adequate mental health services with economic realities for small employers.
Relating to certain limitations on reimbursements paid for inpatient and outpatient hospital services for certain publicly funded health benefit plan coverage for employees and retirees.
A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans.(See HF 574.)