Summary of Original Version

Create a new section of Subtitle 17A of KRS Chapter 304 to require health insurance coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering; amend KRS 304.17C-125, 205.522, 205.6485, 164.2871, and 18A.225 to require limited health service benefit plans, Medicaid, self-insured employer group health plans provided by the governing board of a state postsecondary education institution, and the state employee health plan to comply with the speech therapy coverage requirement and to make technical amendments; provide that various sections apply to health insurance policies, certificates, plans, or contracts issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025; establish the construction of Section 1 for purposes of federal law and require state officials to comply; require the Department of Insurance and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to seek federal approval, if necessary; EFFECTIVE, in part, January 1, 2025.

Summary of Amendment: House Committee Substitute 1

Summary Retain original provisions, except suspend application of any coverage requirement to a qualified health plan if the requirement would result in the state being required to make cost defrayal payments under federal law; require the Department of Insurance to identify if any requirement is in addition to the essential health benefits required under federal law; establish requirements for any waiver application made by the Department of Insurance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 205.6485
House Committee Substitute 1: 205.522, 205.6485
Current: 205.522, 205.6485