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House amends mental-health parity bill and refers it to rules for a new fiscal note amid business and state-plan concerns
Summary
Representative Judy Ann Buckmire's HB 159, which would require parity in mental health coverage for state-regulated health plans, was amended on the floor to include state employee health care plans 'by contract' and then referred to the Rules Committee for a new fiscal note after extensive debate over cost and coverage scope.
The Utah House debated House Bill 159, a measure to require parity for mental-health coverage in health insurance policies subject to state law. Sponsor Representative Buckmire framed the bill as a catalyst to bring insurers, employers and consumers together to negotiate a Utah-specific approach, citing studies and pilot evidence that parity can be implemented with modest premium effects and important social benefits.
Buckmire said the bill covers plans governed by state insurance…
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