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To amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Defense to limit copayments for outpatient visits for mental health or behavioral health under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes.
6/7/2024, 4:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 8633
Currently, TRICARE beneficiaries are required to pay copayments for outpatient visits for mental health or behavioral health services. This bill seeks to reduce these copayments in order to make these crucial services more affordable for those in need. By limiting copayments, the bill aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent individuals from seeking the mental health care they require.
In addition to limiting copayments, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to mental health and behavioral health services under the TRICARE program. These additional purposes may include improving access to care, expanding coverage options, or enhancing the quality of services provided. Overall, the TRICARE Mental Health Copayment Limitation Act is designed to prioritize the mental health and well-being of military members and their families by making mental health and behavioral health services more affordable and accessible.
Congressional Summary of HR 8633
Stop Copay Overpay Act
This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from charging a covered individual (i.e., individuals enrolled under the TRICARE program) a co-payment exceeding a certain rate for an outpatient visit for mental health or behavioral health under the TRICARE program, regardless of whether the visit is furnished by a specialty care provider. Specifically, the co-payment amount may not exceed the amount of a co-payment that would be charged under the TRICARE program for an outpatient visit for primary care services.
During the one-year period beginning after this bill is enacted, DOD may not increase the co-payment amount charged to a covered individual above the amount that would have been charged in FY2021 for any service (1) furnished by a specialty care provider under the TRICARE program, and (2) that is not an outpatient visit for mental or behavioral health care.
