PDFWAC 284-43-7080

Prohibited exclusions.

(1) Benefits for actual treatment and services rendered may not be denied solely because a course of treatment was interrupted or was not completed.
(2) If a service is prescribed for a mental health condition and is medically necessary, it may not be denied solely on the basis that it is part of a category of services or benefits that is excluded by the terms of the contract.
(3) Benefits for mental health services and substance use disorder may not be limited or denied based solely on age or condition.
(4) When a treatment or service is gender affirming treatment, as defined in RCW 48.43.0128, a health carrier may not:
(a) Deny or limit coverage, deny or limit coverage of a claim, issue automatic denials of coverage or impose additional cost sharing or other limitations or restrictions on coverage if that treatment is:
(i) Prescribed to an individual because of, related to, or consistent with a person's gender expression or identity, as defined in RCW 49.60.040;
(ii) Medically necessary; and
(iii) Prescribed in accordance with accepted standards of care; or
(b) Apply blanket exclusions; or
(c) When prescribed as medically necessary, exclude facial gender affirming treatment (such as tracheal shaves), hair removal procedures, and other care (such as mastectomies, breast reductions, breast implants, or any combination of gender affirming procedures, including revisions to prior treatment) as cosmetic services.
(5) Nothing in this section relieves a plan or an issuer from its obligations to pay for a court ordered substance use disorder benefit or mental health benefit when it is medically necessary.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.43.515 and 2021 c 280. WSR 21-24-072 (Matter No. R 2021-14), § 284-43-7080, filed 11/30/21, effective 1/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.20.460, 48.43.0128, 48.44.050, and 48.46.200. WSR 20-24-040, § 284-43-7080, filed 11/23/20, effective 12/24/20. WSR 16-01-081, recodified as § 284-43-7080, filed 12/14/15, effective 12/14/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 48.02.060, 48.43.715, 48.44.050, 48.46.200 and Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-343. WSR 14-23-057 (Matter No. R 2012-29), § 284-43-995, filed 11/17/14, effective 12/18/14.]