This bill aims to enhance parity in mental health and substance use disorder coverage within the state medical assistance program in Alaska. It amends existing law to require the Department of Health to comply with federal mental health and substance use disorder benefit requirements as outlined in specific U.S. Code sections. New provisions mandate the commissioner of health to evaluate consumer and provider complaints regarding parity violations, conduct compliance examinations on nonquantitative treatment limitations, and perform comparative analyses of benefit designs for mental health and substance use disorders versus medical and surgical benefits.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Health to submit an annual report detailing the processes for developing medical necessity criteria, identifying treatment limitations, and analyzing compliance with parity requirements. It also stipulates that the department must prepare a comprehensive report by March 1, 2026, summarizing compliance methodologies, market examinations, and corrective actions taken. The implementation of these provisions is conditional upon approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the effective date set for the day after such approval is granted.

Statutes affected:
SB0045A, AM SB 45, introduced 01/17/2025: 47.07.030, 47.07.076, 47.07.040, U.S.C