Bill > H960

This bill aims to improve access to child and adolescent mental health services by expanding the types of professionals whose services are covered under various health insurance and state employee benefit plans. Specifically, it amends several sections of Massachusetts General Laws (chapters 32A, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G) to include "licensed educational psychologist" alongside "counselor" as a recognized provider for mental health services. This means that insurance policies, contracts, agreements, and plans, including those for state employees, will now cover services provided by licensed educational psychologists, who are professionals trained to address learning and behavioral issues in children and adolescents, in addition to counselors. The bill also clarifies that these changes will apply to new insurance policies and plans issued or delivered after June 1, 2015, and to existing ones upon renewal or after June 1, 2016.