2012 -- H 7785

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LC01797

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE - COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE

ABUSE

     Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, and Blazejewski

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2012

     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: provide (1) 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 treatment of mental illness and substance

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abuse is determined using the same methodology as reimbursement for professional providers of

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

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

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other illnesses and diseases.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01797

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE - COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUBSTANCE

ABUSE

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     This act would provide that professional providers treating mental illness and substance

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abuse would be reimbursed using the same methodology as providers of medical services.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC01797

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