Bill > H4770

This bill directs the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), a state agency responsible for collecting and analyzing healthcare data, to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential impacts of eliminating or capping co-payments (out-of-pocket costs) for mental and behavioral health services. The analysis would explore how such a policy change might affect various aspects of healthcare and social outcomes, including insurance premiums and deductibles, patients' access to mental health services, how often those services are used, the quality of mental and behavioral health treatment outcomes, and broader socio-economic impacts. Specifically, the study would examine potential effects on academic performance, economic indicators like employment and income, housing stability, and outcomes related to disciplinary actions in schools and the criminal justice system. The goal appears to be understanding the holistic potential benefits of reducing financial barriers to mental health treatment.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4770