Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee sends children’s behavioral-health funding bill to interim study after dispute over insurer assessment
Summary
The Consumer Protection Committee voted 14-4 to refer SB 498 to an interim study after debate over an amendment that would create an insurer assessment to fund pediatric behavioral-health coordination; proponents said the amendment adds safeguards, opponents warned of ERISA exposure and that the assessment 'is a tax.'
The Consumer Protection Committee voted to send Senate Bill 498 to an interim study after a contentious debate over an amendment that would create a system of assessments on insurers to fund pediatric behavioral-health coordination and early intervention services.
Representative Miles, who introduced the updated amendment the committee received on Friday, said the changes “preserve that mission while adding important accountability and fiscal safeguards.” She told the committee the amendment narrows who is assessed, “prevents duplicate funding obligations,” and creates exemptions for plans that already provide comprehensive behavioral-health coverage.
Represent…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
