MS HB638

Amends Section 83-9-39 to require all group health insurance policies and alternative delivery systems to provide coverage for treatment of mental illness, effective for policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2014.

Eliminates the 1% cost increase exemption that previously allowed health insurance plans to avoid providing mental illness coverage.

Repeals Section 83-9-40, which contained the calculation method for determining exemptions from mental illness coverage requirements.

Requires outpatient mental illness coverage to be paid at the same rate as inpatient and partial hospitalization services, with minimum coverage of 52 outpatient visits per year.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.