HB 2653
An Act amending Title 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for behavioral health care provider access; and imposing penalties.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s insurance laws to improve access to behavioral health care services. It requires insurers to contract with behavioral health care providers who are willing to participate in their networks, ensuring they meet certain standards. The bill also prohibits insurers from unfairly discriminating against these providers and establishes penalties for violations. It aims to reduce barriers to accessing mental and behavioral health treatment for Pennsylvanians.
Key provisions
- Requires insurers to contract with willing behavioral health care providers.
- Establishes standards for these providers, including good standing and providing services within the state.
- Prohibits insurers from unfairly discriminating against behavioral health care providers.
- Mandates reimbursement rates for contracted providers to be comparable to those paid to in-network providers.
- Allows insurers to preclude providers only for material non-compliance or fraud.
- Defines key terms related to behavioral health care and insurance.
- Establishes a process for administrative penalties and appeals.
- Specifies a timeline for the bill’s application to different types of insurance policies.
Who is affected
- Health insurance companies
- Behavioral health care providers
- Individuals seeking behavioral health care services
- Pennsylvania residents
- The Insurance Department
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
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