Substitute House Bill No. 7207 seeks to improve transparency in mental health and substance use disorder benefits by requiring health carriers to submit detailed reports to the Insurance Commissioner. These reports must outline the processes for assessing medical necessity for both mental health and substance use disorder benefits, as well as for medical and surgical benefits. The bill introduces new language that classifies these reports as public records under the Freedom of Information Act, thereby enhancing public access to this information.

In addition, the bill repeals existing provisions that maintained the confidentiality of health carriers' identities in these reports, allowing the Insurance Commissioner to disclose the names of the carriers. This change is aimed at increasing scrutiny and accountability regarding how mental health and substance use disorder benefits are managed. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is not expected to have any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as it primarily represents a procedural change in reporting requirements.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
GAE Joint Favorable:
File No. 564: