Bill > SB0446

This bill amends Indiana law to improve mental health and substance abuse insurance coverage by establishing new standards for insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The bill requires these organizations to ensure that reimbursement rates for mental health and substance abuse services are comparable to rates for medical and surgical services, specifically by measuring them relative to Medicare rates. If mental health provider reimbursement rates are more than 10% lower than medical/surgical rates in the same benefit classification, the state department will conduct a deeper examination for potential non-compliance. The bill also mandates that if a healthcare provider is already credentialed for medical or surgical services with an insurer or HMO, they must be automatically credentialed for mental health and substance abuse services, even if those services are provided through a third-party vendor. Additionally, insurers and HMOs must submit annual reports to the state department detailing their medical necessity criteria, treatment limitations, and comparative analyses to demonstrate compliance with the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008. The bill includes an emergency declaration, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/446/details