SENATE, No. 607

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 607) of Richard T. Moore for legislation to provide or equitable coverage for mental and substance abuse. Financial Services.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

AN ACT providing for equitable coverage for mental and substance abuse

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 110 of Chapter 175 of the General Laws or any provision of any general or special law to the contrary, any agreement, policy, certificate, or contract providing for the reimbursement or payment to an insurance subscriber, policy holder, certificate holder or any other person or provider of health care services shall not discriminate against any person with alcoholism or chemical dependency by failing to provide benefits for treatment and diagnosis of these illnesses under the same terms and conditions as provided for covered benefits offered under the agreement, policy, certificate or contract for the treatment and diagnosis of physical illnesses.

SECTION 2.  Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, any agreement, policy, certificate or contract providing for the reimbursement or payment to an insurance subscriber, policyholder, certificate holder or any other person or provider for the provision of health care services shall not impose any copayments, deductibles, or service limitations for the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism or chemical dependency in excess of any copayments, deductibles, or service limitations imposed for the diagnosis and treatment of physical illnesses.

SECTION 3.  The provisions of this act shall apply to all policies, agreements, certificates or contracts executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in the Commonwealth on or after January 1, 2009.

SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2009.