AK SB21

Requires health care insurers in Alaska to provide coverage for treatment of mental health conditions, alcoholism, and substance abuse disorders with parity to other medical care benefits.

Eliminates different financial burdens (deductibles, copayments, lifetime limits, visit limits) for mental health and substance abuse treatment compared to other medical conditions.

Removes exclusions for mental health services and alcohol or drug abuse from the state health insurance plan minimum benefits and health maintenance organization definitions.

Prohibits insurers from using different claim payment methods, requiring prenotification or second opinions, or limiting coverage to only inpatient or outpatient services for mental health treatment unless applied to all medical conditions.

Takes effect July 1, 2009.