Mississippi House Bill HB460

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/5/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Community mental health centers; provide that health insurers may not deny the right to participate as a contract provider.

Impact

The bill will have a direct impact on the accessibility of mental health services in Mississippi by ensuring that community mental health centers can receive fair treatment from insurance providers. By mandating that insurers recognize certified mental health providers and cannot use licensure as a basis to deny contract participation, the bill encourages more comprehensive mental health coverage and addresses critical gaps in care. This is particularly important in an environment where mental health services are often underfunded and inadequately provided.

Summary

House Bill 460 aims to amend Section 83-9-39 of the Mississippi Code to enhance the role and rights of community mental health centers in the state's healthcare system. This amendment specifically prohibits alternative delivery systems and group health insurance policies from denying any community mental health center the opportunity to serve as a contract provider, provided they meet the insurer's terms for mental health services and reimbursement. This change is significant as it aims to improve access to mental health treatment for individuals in Mississippi, especially by streamlining the participation of qualified providers.

Contention

While the intent of HB 460 is to enhance mental health care access, some contention arises concerning how these changes might affect the overall insurance landscape. There may be concerns from insurers about the increased financial obligations tied to expanded provider networks. In discussions surrounding the bill, stakeholders may express differing views on the balance between provider access and fiscal responsibility for insurers. These debates underscore the ongoing challenges in managing mental health services within the bounds of state and insurance regulations.