Bill > SB120

This bill amends multiple sections of New Mexico law to clarify and expand the prohibition on cost sharing for behavioral health services across different types of health insurance plans. The bill defines behavioral health services broadly to include professional and ancillary services for treating mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and trauma spectrum disorders, covering a wide range of treatments from inpatient care to outpatient therapy and medications. It specifically prohibits health insurance plans from imposing cost sharing (such as copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles) for these services when they are provided in-network. The bill provides detailed definitions of terms like "copayment" and "coinsurance" and includes important exceptions for certain types of plans, such as short-term health plans, catastrophic plans, and high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts (where cost sharing may apply until the deductible is met). This legislation applies to various types of health insurance contracts, including group health coverage, individual and group health insurance policies, health maintenance organization contracts, and health care plans. The provisions will become effective on January 1, 2026, giving insurers time to adapt to the new requirements and potentially reducing financial barriers to accessing mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=120&year=25