SENATE BILL 33

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2022

INTRODUCED BY

Martin Hickey

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

AN ACT

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE TO STUDY THE ENACTMENT AND IMPACT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PARITY LEGISLATION; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the human services department for expenditure in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to allow the medical assistance division to study, in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders, the enactment of behavioral health parity legislation congruent with federal law and its impact on the availability of services provided by medicaid providers, managed care organizations and their subcontractors and rates of compensation paid to behavioral health providers. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2023 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--One hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the office of superintendent of insurance for expenditure in fiscal

years 2022 and 2023 to study, in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders, the enactment of behavioral health parity legislation congruent with federal law and its impact on the availability of services covered by entities it regulates and rates of compensation paid to behavioral health providers. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2023 shall revert to the general fund.

     SECTION 3. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.

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