2010 -- H 7361

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LC01180

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2010

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A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

     Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, Ruggiero, Fierro, Ferri, and Walsh

     Date Introduced: February 04, 2010

     Referred To: House Corporations

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 27-38.2-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-38.2 entitled

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"Insurance Coverage for Mental Illness and Substance Abuse" is hereby amended to read as

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follows:

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     27-38.2-1. Mental illness coverage. -- Every health care insurer that delivers or issues

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for delivery or renews in this state a contract, plan, or policy except contracts providing

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supplemental coverage to Medicare or other governmental programs, shall: (1) provide Provide

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coverage for the medical treatment of mental illness and substance abuse under the same terms

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and conditions as that coverage is provided for other illnesses and diseases.; and (2) Ensure that

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reimbursement for professional providers providing medical treatment of mental illness and

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substance abuse is determined using the same methodology as reimbursement for professional

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providers of medical services. Insurance coverage offered pursuant to this statute must include the

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same durational limits, amount limits, deductibles, and co-insurance factors for mental illness as

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for other illnesses and diseases. In no case shall professional provider reimbursement paid by a

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health care insurer for mental illness coverage be at a level that is not comparable to

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reimbursements paid by such insurer for medical services of a similar level and requiring similar

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expertise.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01180

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

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     This act would require that reimbursement paid by a health care insurer for mental illness

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and substance abuse coverage be comparable to that paid for similar medical services.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC01180

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