CO HB1068

Requires health insurance policies to cover an annual mental health wellness examination of up to 60 minutes performed by a qualified mental health care provider, with coverage comparable to physical examinations.

Applies to large employer policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2022, and individual and small group policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2023.

Defines qualified mental health care providers to include physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, addiction counselors, and advanced practice registered nurses with psychiatric training.

Requires the Colorado Division of Insurance to conduct an actuarial study on premium impacts and submit a determination to the federal Department of Health and Human Services within 120 days regarding whether this coverage constitutes an additional benefit requiring state defrayal.

Appropriates $26,353 to the Division of Insurance for the 2021-22 fiscal year to implement the requirement, based on an assumption of 0.2 additional full-time employee.