Bill > HB1519

This bill updates Pennsylvania's insurance law to expand the definition of "serious mental illness" and remove prior authorization requirements for mental health medications. Specifically, the bill broadens the list of mental health conditions covered under insurance policies by referencing the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), which now includes categories like schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and eating disorders. The legislation prohibits health insurers and Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program (MA/CHIP) managed care plans from requiring prior authorization for mental health medications, which could help patients access necessary treatments more quickly and easily. The changes will apply to new health insurance policies filed with the Insurance Department after the effective date, or to policies issued or renewed 180 days after the effective date for policies not requiring pre-filing. The bill takes effect 60 days after its passage, aiming to improve mental health treatment accessibility and reduce administrative barriers for patients seeking mental health medications.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1519