summary
Introduced
01/10/2025
01/10/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2025
03/28/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create a new section of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to define terms; require certain health insurance policies to provide coverage for an annual mental health wellness examination; require the coverage to be no less extensive than coverage for medical and surgical benefits, comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, and not to be subject to any cost-sharing requirements; amend KRS 164.2871, 205.522, 205.6485, and 18A.225 to require self-insured employer group health plans provided by the governing board of a state postsecondary education institution, Medicaid, the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program, and the state employee health plan to comply with the mental health coverage requirement; amend KRS 304.17C-125 to apply the mental health wellness examination requirement to limited health service contracts; state purpose of the Act; direct that provisions apply to health plans issued or renewed on or after the effective date of the section; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to seek federal approval if it determines that such approval is necessary; provide that Section 1 may be cited as the Kentucky Act in Support of Annual Mental Health Wellness Exams; EFFECTIVE, in part, January 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill requires health insurance plans in Kentucky to provide coverage for an annual mental health wellness examination without cost-sharing, targeting improved mental health monitoring and support. The bill defines a comprehensive mental health wellness exam as including age-appropriate interviews, observations, self-report instruments, education on lifestyle changes, and potential referrals to mental health services. It applies to various health plans, including those for state employees, Medicaid, and the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP). The exam must be performed by a qualified mental health professional, which includes physicians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other licensed mental health practitioners. The coverage must be equivalent to medical and surgical benefits and comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, ensuring that mental health examinations are treated with the same level of importance as physical health screenings. There is a small exception for high-deductible health plans to ensure they maintain their tax-advantaged status. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to promote greater utilization of mental health wellness exams and strengthen the mental health of Kentucky's citizens.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
to Appropriations & Revenue (S) (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/sb74.html |
| Local Mandate Fiscal Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/25RS/sb74/LM.pdf |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/25RS/sb74/orig_bill.pdf |
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