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Bill

HB 748

AN ACT relating to mental health parity and declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session

Kentucky bill requiring health insurers to equally cover mental health and substance abuse treatment as physical health services to address treatment access barriers.

to Banking & Insurance (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 748

Legislative bill overview

HB 748 addresses mental health parity in Kentucky, likely requiring health insurers to provide equal coverage and reimbursement for mental health and substance use disorder treatment compared to physical health services. The bill's declaration of emergency suggests lawmakers view this as an urgent issue requiring expedited passage.

Why is this important

Mental health parity laws close gaps where insurers systematically cover fewer mental health visits, impose higher copays, or reimburse providers at lower rates than physical health services. This affects hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other conditions who may delay or forgo treatment due to insurance barriers.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry costs: Expanded mental health coverage increases insurer claims expenses, potentially raising premiums for all policyholders
  • Provider network adequacy: Parity mandates require sufficient mental health providers to meet demand; Kentucky faces documented shortages of psychiatrists and therapists
  • Implementation timeline: The emergency declaration may pressure fast passage without fully addressing operational challenges for insurers and healthcare systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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