The proposed bill, H.B. No. 2025-2026, seeks to enact section 3902.65 of the Revised Code, mandating that health benefit plans provide coverage for annual behavioral health well checks for both children and adults. The bill defines a "behavioral health well check" as an annual visit that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, risk evaluation, the use of validated screening tools, and referrals to necessary behavioral health services. It specifies that these checks must be performed by licensed behavioral health professionals, which include various types of healthcare providers such as clinical nurse specialists, physician assistants, and psychologists.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that health benefit plans cannot impose cost-sharing requirements for these annual checks, nor can they require prior authorization. It also prohibits plans from excluding coverage for behavioral health services provided on the same day as physical health services. The bill outlines that reimbursement for these checks must be consistent across all licensed behavioral health professionals and comply with existing federal regulations. The provisions of this bill will apply to health benefit plans that are delivered, issued for delivery, modified, or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.