| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 1460
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Extending existing mental health parity requirements to individual and small group plans.
Sponsors: Representatives Schual-Berke, Hankins, Cody, Campbell, Morrell, Green, Dickerson, Darneille, McDermott, Jarrett, Hudgins, Moeller, Kagi, Rodne, Williams, Ormsby, Haigh, Linville, Wood, Conway, O'Brien, Hasegawa, Santos and Lantz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/07
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
Currently, commercial insurance policies covering more than 50 employees, state employees and
the Basic Health Plan are required to cover mental health services in a manner equal to coverage
for other medical and surgical services. This mental health parity requirement first became
effective January 1, 2006, with additional phased-in requirements for maximum out-of-pocket
limits, and a single deductible in 2008 and 2010, respectively.
Currently 48 states require some form of mental health parity for insurance coverage of mental
health services, or have mental health mandates of some sort. Twenty states, including
Washington, provide exemptions for some small groups, from mental health parity requirements.
In Washington small group policies are exempt from the required coverage, however insurance
carriers are required to offer each small group optional supplemental coverage for mental health
treatment.
Summary of Bill:
Effective January 1, 2008, insurance policies issued for all individuals, groups and the
Washington State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) are required to include coverage for mental
health services equal to coverage for other medical and surgical services. The requirement for
insurance carriers to offer supplemental coverage to small groups is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2008.