Us Congress House Bill HB8390

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/14/24
• Refer: 5/14/24
• Refer: 5/17/24

Caption

Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2024 Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable Act of 2024

Impact

The implications of HB8390 are far-reaching, particularly in how it influences state laws related to health insurance. By effectively eliminating cost-sharing for critical mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, the bill seeks to promote better maternal mental health. It aims to reduce financial barriers for families, ensuring they can access essential services without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, the requirement for coverage extends to telehealth services, which could enhance accessibility, especially for those in remote areas.

Summary

House Bill 8390, titled the 'Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable Act of 2024' (or 'Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2024'), proposes significant amendments to existing laws regarding health insurance coverage. The primary focus of the bill is on the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services during and after pregnancy. Specifically, it mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers must provide said mental health and substance use disorder services without imposing cost-sharing requirements from the time of pregnancy diagnosis through the one-year period following the conclusion of the pregnancy. This aims to improve access to necessary mental health support for new and expectant mothers.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face opposition. Critics might argue that mandating such comprehensive coverage could increase insurance premiums or place an undue burden on employers that provide health insurance. Additionally, there may be concerns about the specific definitions and scope of mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly how they are applied within different insurance frameworks, such as ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The balance between increased access to care and the economic impact on insurance providers and employers will likely be a point of contention in legislative discussions.