HB 443 Summary: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefit Parity

• Establishes mental health and substance use disorder benefit parity requirements for health benefit plans to comply with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

• Requires health plan issuers to submit annual reports to the superintendent of insurance documenting medical and clinical necessity criteria and demonstrating comparable treatment of mental health/substance use disorder benefits versus medical and surgical benefits.

• Prohibits prior authorization and step therapy requirements for prescription medications treating substance use disorders, and mandates placement of such medications on the lowest formulary tier with coverage for associated counseling and wraparound services.

• Requires medicaid managed care organizations and the department of medicaid to provide the same mental health and substance use disorder benefit protections to medicaid enrollees, with biennial compliance reports and complaint procedures.

• Applies to health benefit plans delivered, issued, modified, or renewed on or after the bill's effective date.