A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance that provide coverage for mental health services and substance use disorder services provide such services without the imposition of cost-sharing from the diagnosis of pregnancy through the 1-year period following such pregnancy, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 s 4331, also known as the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, aims to amend several existing laws to ensure that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide coverage for mental health services and substance use disorder services without imposing any cost-sharing requirements. This means that individuals who are covered under these plans will not have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for these essential services during the period from the diagnosis of pregnancy through the first year following the pregnancy.

The bill seeks to address the issue of cost barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing necessary mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly during the vulnerable period surrounding pregnancy. By removing cost-sharing requirements for these services, the bill aims to improve access to care and support for individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues or substance use disorders during this critical time.

In addition to providing coverage without cost-sharing, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to mental health and substance use disorder services. Overall, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act seeks to promote equitable access to essential healthcare services for individuals in need of mental health and substance use disorder treatment, particularly during the important period surrounding pregnancy.