Developmental and physical disabilities; require health insurance policies cover similar to autism spectrum disorder requirement.
The legislation aims to improve healthcare access for Mississippians facing developmental and physical disabilities. It reinforces the mandate for insurers to offer such coverage, preventing discrimination against individuals with specific diagnoses by ensuring they are not denied coverage or renewal based on their condition. This could potentially increase the demand for services designed to assist individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive healthcare environment.
House Bill 380 amends Section 83-9-26 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, expanding health insurance coverage requirements to include the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental and physical disabilities, similar to the existing stipulations for autism spectrum disorder. The bill mandates that health insurance policies will be required to provide this coverage for plans delivered or renewed after January 1, 2023, thereby enhancing access to essential services for individuals with these conditions. Additionally, it outlines specific limitations regarding applied behavior analysis, setting a cap of $40,000 per year and restricting services beyond the age of 18, unless medically necessary.
There are notable points of contention regarding the financial implications of the bill on health insurers and small employers. Critics might argue that requiring comprehensive coverage increases costs for insurers, which could lead to higher premiums for other policyholders. Furthermore, the limitations placed on applied behavior analysis could spark debate among stakeholders in the healthcare sector about the adequacy of coverage and its long-term viability. There may also be discussions around the legislative intent to prioritize certain disability diagnoses over others, which could create disparities in the treatment landscape.