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SB 824

AN ACT REQUIRING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PARITY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ceci Maher

Connecticut bill requiring insurance plans to cover mental health and substance abuse treatment at equivalent levels to physical health services, removing cost and access barriers.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Insurance and Real Estate
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Bill Summary · SB 824

Legislative bill overview

SB 824 requires behavioral health parity in Connecticut, meaning mental health and substance use disorder treatments must be covered by insurance plans at equivalent levels to physical health services. The bill aims to eliminate disparities in insurance coverage, cost-sharing, and access barriers between behavioral and medical/surgical benefits.

Why is this important

Mental health conditions and addiction disorders affect millions of Connecticut residents but have historically faced higher out-of-pocket costs, more restrictive coverage limits, and greater prior authorization requirements than physical health treatments. Parity requirements can reduce financial barriers to treatment, improve health outcomes, and decrease emergency room visits and hospitalizations by enabling earlier intervention.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry costs: Insurers may argue that expanded behavioral health coverage increases premiums for all policyholders, particularly in a competitive market
  • Network adequacy concerns: Requiring parity coverage means insurers must ensure sufficient behavioral health providers are in-network, which may be challenging in rural areas with existing provider shortages
  • Definition specificity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "parity" and which services qualify (therapy, medication, inpatient care, etc.) will likely generate debate about scope and enforceability

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

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