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AK HCR9

Concurrent Resolution

Status

Introduced

2/15/2024

Primary Sponsor

Mike Prax

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

33rd Legislature

AI Summary

  • Recognizes the need for parity between mental health and substance use disorder benefits and medical/surgical benefits in Alaska's medical assistance plan
  • Notes that Alaska's mental health and substance use disorder regulations contain six nonquantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs) including service authorizations and time-based treatment plans, while medical/surgical regulations contain none
  • Observes that mental health and substance use disorder regulations span over 120 pages compared to one page for medical/surgical regulations, creating administrative burdens and access delays
  • Urges the Department of Health to adopt regulations ensuring parity in mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits to improve access to care, streamline care coordination, and reduce emergency room and correctional facility use for behavioral health concerns
  • Identifies that Alaska's fee-for-service medical assistance plan is not federally required to meet Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requirements, but the state has authority to exceed those standards

Legislative Description

Mental Health/substance Assistance Parity

Health & Social Services

Last Action

REFERRED TO RULES

3/22/2024

Committee Referrals

Rules3/22/2024
Health & Social Services2/15/2024

Full Bill Text

No bill text available