MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Insurance
By: Senator(s) Kirby
AN ACT TO REQUIRE CERTAIN INSURANCE POLICIES AND PLANS TO OFFER ON AN OPTIONAL BASIS MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR DISORDERS WHICH ARE WITHIN THE LAWFUL SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Every hospital, health or medical expenses insurance policy, hospital or medical service contract, health maintenance organization and preferred provider organization that is delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall offer benefits for diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous or emotional disorders which are within the lawful scope of practice of a duly licensed marriage and family therapist as defined in Section 73-54-5. This coverage shall be offered on an optional basis, and each primary insured must accept or reject such coverage in writing and accept responsibility for premium payment.
The benefit provided by this coverage shall be subject to the same annual deductibles or coinsurance established for all other covered benefits within a given policy, plan or contract. Private third party payers may not reduce or eliminate coverage due to these requirements.
A duly licensed marriage and family therapist shall be entitled to participate in such policies, plans or contracts providing for the diagnosis and treatment of mental, nervous or emotional disorders only as authorized by Section 73-54-5 et seq.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.