Below is the relevant legislation related to parity that has been introduced during the current or recently adjourned legislative session. State parity legislation passed in any state since 2008 is usually designed to increase compliance with the federal law and to strengthen state laws.

Are we missing any passed or introduced legislation? Let us know at info@paritytrack.org.

Introduced Legislation

2018

Regular Session Convened 1/2/2019
Will Adjourn 1/2/2020
Governor's Deadline 1/16/2020
Primary Focus Parity: General; Enforcement: Reporting requirement; Compliance: Reporting Requirement; Medicaid; Medical management limitation
Title/Description Expands parity requirements and creates reporting requirements for insurers and regulators to demonstrate compliance and enforcement of the parity requirements
Citation B 597
Introduced 11/21/2017
Sponsor Councilmember Gray (D)
Status Signed into Law
Summary

As introduced, the bill creates the Behavioral Health Parity Act of 2017 and requires all health benefit plans offered by an insurance e carrier to meet the requirements of the federal Part Act. It also requires all plans to submit an annual report to the Department of Health Care Finance on or before October 1 of every calendar year.

Primary Focus Compliance, Medical Management Limitations
Title/Description Requires transparency of coverage, adequate in-network providers, and limits medical management techniques in regard to Opioid Use Disorder
Citation B 459
Introduced 9/19/2017
Sponsor Councilmember Gray (D)
Status Signed into Law
Summary

As introduced, the bill creates the Opioid Abuse Treatment Act of 2017, which requires health plans to transmit a list of the contact information of all in network providers that treat opiate use disorders. It also requires the Department of Health Care Finance to determine the feasibility of expanding opioid use disorder medications offerings in methadone clinics and on appropriate reimbursement rates for treatment. The bill further requires training for certain opioid prescribers and continued treatment upon an addicted inmate entering a Department of Corrections facility. The bill creates a fatality review team at the Department of Behavioral Health to review overdose deaths and requires hospitals to establish discharge protocols for individuals identified as having a substance abuse disorder.

National Parity Map

View the state parity reports to learn about legislation, regulation, and litigation related to parity implementation

National Parity Map

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Common Violations

In seeking care or services, be aware of the common ways parity rights can be violated.

Common Violations