SS SCS HCS HB 855 -- HEALTH INSURANCE

This bill changes the laws regarding insurance coverage for
mental illness and chemical dependency.  In its main provisions,
the bill:

(1)  Requires all health plans or policies that are individually
underwritten or that provide coverage for specific individuals
and their family members to include coverage for the treatment of
alcoholism.  Various policies are excluded from this requirement.
This provision becomes effective January 1, 2005;

(2)  Revises provisions pertaining to the offer of insurance
coverage for the treatment of chemical dependency.  This
provision requires all health plans or policies that are
individually underwritten or that provide coverage for specific
individuals and their family members to provide coverage for the
treatment of chemical dependency.  The coverage:  (a)  must be
subject to the same co-insurance, co-payments, and deductible
factors that are applied to physical illnesses; (b)  may be
administered by a managed care program; and (c)  may be delivered
through a system of contractual arrangements.  Various policies
are excluded from this requirement; and

(3)  Revises provisions contained in the Mental Health and
Chemical Dependency Insurance Act.  All health plans or policies
that are individually underwritten or that provide coverage for
specific individuals and their family members can offer the
coverage listed in this act.  Various policies are excluded from
this requirement.  These sections become effective January 1,
2005, and will expire on January 1, 2011.

Health carriers that offer health benefit plans in this state on
or after January 1, 2005, are required to provide coverage for
mental health conditions.  This provision defines "mental health
conditions" as those listed in the most recent edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, except for
chemical dependency conditions.  Coverage for mental health
conditions:  (1)  cannot have rates, terms, or conditions that
place a greater financial burden on an insured for mental health
treatment than for physical health treatment; (2)  may be
administered by a managed care program; and (3)  may be delivered
through a series of contractual arrangements.  This provision
does not apply to certain insurance policies, including
individually underwritten insurance policies.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am