To amend chapter 376, RSMo, by adding one new section relating to chemical dependency services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,

AS FOLLOWS:

Section A. Chapter 376, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section to be known as section 376.1211, to read as follows:

376.1211. 1. All health plans that provide coverage for mental health or chemical dependency services must comply with the requirements of this section.

2. Cost- sharing requirements and benefit or service limitations for outpatient mental health and outpatient chemical dependency services must not place a greater financial burden on the insured or enrollee or be more restrictive than those requirements and limitations for outpatient medical services.

3. Cost- sharing requirements and benefit or service limitations for inpatient hospital mental health and inpatient hospital and residential chemical dependency services must not place a greater financial burden on the insured or enrollee or be more restrictive than those requirements and limitations for inpatient hospital medical services.

4. This section is effective on August 28, 1996 and applies to health plans offered, issued or renewed on or after that date.