WA SB5481

Managed care organizations must reimburse licensed or certified behavioral health agencies for medically necessary services provided to Medicaid-enrolled students within schools, even if the agency is out-of-network

The out-of-network reimbursement requirement is waived only if the managed care organization already provides equivalent behavioral health services colocated within the school using in-network providers

Adds a new section to chapter 71.24 RCW (Community Behavioral Health Services Act)

Addresses access barriers in rural areas where limited service capacity, transportation challenges, and distance prevent children from receiving behavioral health care