Bill > S1000

This bill requires insurance coverage for expenses incurred in screening patients under 18 years of age for depression, including a depression screening performed by a pediatrician using a nationally-recognized screening tool. The bill applies to various types of health insurance plans and programs, including hospital, medical, and health service corporations; commercial individual, small employer, and larger group insurers; health maintenance organizations; and the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. The bill prohibits these plans from imposing any form of cost-sharing, such as copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, on the covered persons receiving these depression screening services. The bill also specifies that coverage cannot be denied solely on the basis that the screening is provided in conjunction with any other healthcare evaluation, treatment, or service.