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Bill would require third-party checks of insurers' mental-health networks after witnesses describe "ghost networks"
Summary
Rep. Alicia Gregg told the Commerce Committee that patients often cannot actually access providers listed in insurer directories; HB 18 12 would require independent audits every three years, stronger time-and-distance standards and graduated penalties for repeat violations.
Representative Alicia Gregg opened the public hearing on House Bill 18 12 by describing a recurring problem: insurance directories and carrier self-reports can overstate the availability of behavioral-health providers. "Too many of our constituents are struggling to find mental health providers who are actually available to see them," she said.
The bill would require independent third-party evaluations every three years to test real-world access: whether listed providers are accepting new patients, whether appointments are available within specified windows (7 and 14 days in the sponsor's presentation), and whether county-level…
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