H2202
An Act creating parity for mental and behavioral health services
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to ensure that mental and behavioral health services are treated the same as physical health services under health insurance coverage. It seeks to establish parity, meaning insurance companies must cover mental health services at the same level as they cover medical services, without imposing higher cost-sharing requirements like copays or deductibles. The bill intends to improve access to and affordability of mental healthcare for all residents of Massachusetts. It addresses existing inequalities in coverage for these essential services.
Key provisions
- Requires health insurers to cover mental and behavioral health services at the same level as physical health services.
- Prohibits insurers from imposing higher cost-sharing (e.g., copays, deductibles) for mental health services than for comparable physical health services.
- Establishes a process for reviewing and addressing any disparities in coverage.
- Focuses on ensuring equitable access to mental healthcare services.
- Addresses potential barriers to accessing mental health care due to financial considerations.
Who is affected
- Individuals receiving health insurance coverage in Massachusetts
- Health insurance companies operating in Massachusetts
- Mental health and behavioral health providers in Massachusetts
- Patients seeking mental health services
- The healthcare system in Massachusetts
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Marjorie C. Decker
Cosponsors
Estela A. Reyes
Marjorie C. Decker
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
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Bill H.2202 194th (Current)
An Act creating parity for mental and behavioral health services
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2202) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to mental and behavioral health services. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Marjorie C. Decker Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.2202
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 10/24/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 2/9/2026 | House | Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
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