HB 1946 Summary

• Requires all individual and group health insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2022 to cover an annual mental health wellness examination of up to 60 minutes performed by a qualified mental health care provider.

• Mental health wellness examination must be covered at parity with physical examinations and comply with federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requirements.

• Examination coverage is exempt from deductibles and copayments, with insurers required to reimburse all costs to qualified providers.

• Qualified mental health care providers include physicians (board certified in psychiatry), psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, advanced practice registered nurses with psychiatric specialization, and physician assistants with mental health training.

• Requirement applies to accident and health insurance, hospital and medical service plan contracts, health maintenance organizations, and Medicaid managed care programs, effective January 1, 2023.