GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1999

H	2 

HOUSE BILL 713*
Committee Substitute Favorable 4/21/99

Short Title:  Mental Health Parity Study.	(Public)

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Sponsors:

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Referred to:  

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March 30, 1999

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY PARITY IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the issue of requiring mental health benefits and chemical dependency benefits in health benefit plans in parity with physical illness benefits provided under those plans.   The study may review other states' mental parity and chemical dependency parity laws, the cost-effectiveness of parity requirements, the use of case management and medical necessity standards, the health benefits and potential cost savings of treatment, and related issues.
Section 2.  The Legislative Research Commission shall report any findings and recommendations to the General Assembly prior to the convening of the 2000 Regular Session of the 1999 General Assembly.  
Section 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.