Tennessee Senate Bill SB7091

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/21/23

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed amendments will have a significant impact on health benefit plans and the way health insurance coverage is structured in Tennessee. By mandating parity in treatment, the bill addresses a long-standing issue where mental health services were historically underfunded and inadequately covered compared to other medical services. This shift is expected to enhance the availability and accessibility of mental health care, potentially reducing stigma and encouraging more individuals to seek necessary treatment. The new regulations take effect on October 1, 2023, and will apply to all health plans entered into or renewed after this date.

Summary

Senate Bill 7091 seeks to amend various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing the need for parity in coverage for mental health services compared to treatment for alcoholism and drug dependence. The bill stipulates that health insurance carriers must provide mental health coverage that is equivalent to the coverage provided for substance-related treatment, thereby ensuring that mental health services are not treated as secondary to physical health services. The emphasis on parity aims to improve access to mental health care for individuals who might otherwise encounter obstacles in treatment options due to unequal coverage.

Contention

Despite the overall positive intent of the bill, some points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of these new requirements. Opponents may argue that mandating parity could lead to increased costs for health insurers, which, in turn, might drive up premiums for consumers. Additionally, there could be concerns about how health insurance carriers will adapt their policies to comply with these requirements, particularly in rural areas where providers for mental health services may be limited. Another aspect of contention is the level of scrutiny and enforcement needed to ensure that health insurance companies adequately comply with the new standards and that individuals seeking mental health care receive the coverage they are entitled to.