AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to insurance.
Impact
If enacted, SB1827 would significantly affect how health insurance policies operate in Tennessee, mandating that mental health wellness examinations be included in coverage. This aligns with the principles set forth in the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires that mental health benefits be treated on par with medical and surgical benefits. As a result, insurance companies would be obligated to cover these examinations without imposing copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, thereby reducing financial barriers for individuals seeking mental health care.
Summary
Senate Bill 1827 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to ensure that health insurance plans provide coverage for an annual mental health wellness examination. This examination, which must last at least forty-five minutes and be conducted by a qualified mental health professional, includes a behavioral health screening, consultations on lifestyle changes, referrals for ongoing treatment, and discussions regarding medication options. The bill seeks to enhance mental health services by requiring that such coverage is equivalent to medical and surgical benefits under a health plan.
Sentiment
The sentiment toward SB1827 is generally positive among mental health advocates who believe that the bill is a critical step toward addressing the growing mental health crisis and providing individuals with better access to necessary services. Proponents argue that by making mental health care more accessible and ensuring comprehensive coverage, the bill can potentially lead to improved public health outcomes. However, there may be concerns among insurance companies about the potential increase in costs associated with mandated services.
Contention
As with many healthcare-related legislative measures, challenges may arise regarding the implementation of SB1827. Some stakeholders might argue about the financial implications for health insurers, who may be concerned about the increased obligations to cover additional services without corresponding increases in premiums. Moreover, discussions could emerge regarding the adequacy of trained mental health professionals to provide these mandated examinations, which could lead to potential delays in accessing care, should providers be in short supply.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.