WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 220

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding behavioral health services.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 220 simplifies Idaho's mental health service fees, capping out-of-pocket costs at 5%, improving access for families while ensuring budget neutrality.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 19, 2025 Session Law Chapter 110 Effective: 07/01/2025; 07/01/2025 IDAPA Sunset Clause - SECTION 20, 21, & 22
#children #health #healthcarefacilities #healthcareprofessionsandproviders #medical #rules
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 220

Summary of House Bill 220 (H 220)

Title

Behavioral Health – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to revise provisions regarding behavioral health services.

Status

  • Reported Signed by Governor: March 19, 2025
  • Session Law Chapter: 110
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • IDAPA Sunset Clause: Sections 20, 21, & 22

Introduction

  • Introduced On: February 12, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Children, Health, Health Care Facilities, Health Care Professions and Providers, Medical, Rules

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 220 aims to simplify and revise the existing provisions related to behavioral health services for both adults and children in Idaho. The bill addresses the complexities of the current fee determination process for mental health services provided by the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), ensuring that it aligns with the new Idaho Behavioral Health Plan contract.

Key Provisions

  • Fee Schedule Simplification:

    • The existing complex fee schedule for mental health services is eliminated.
    • A 5% cap on out-of-pocket expenses for patients and parents who can afford to pay is retained.

  • Statutory Changes:

    • Several sections of the Idaho Code are amended to revise definitions, provisions regarding charges to parents, access to services, and involuntary treatment proceedings.
    • Specific sections related to department rules are repealed, streamlining the regulatory framework.

  • New Provisions:

    • Establishes new sections regarding behavioral health service costs and designated examiner qualifications.
    • Ensures that certain administrative rules are rendered null and void, enhancing clarity in the legal framework governing behavioral health services.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The bill primarily impacts children and adults receiving mental health services through the DHW.
    • It also affects parents and guardians who are responsible for the financial aspects of their children's mental health care.

  • Budget Neutrality:

    • The fiscal note indicates that the bill will have no net fiscal impact, as the DHW has not collected fees from the previous fee schedule since 2020. The retention of the 5% cap ensures that the implementation of the mental health program remains budget-neutral.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 20, 2025: Reported signed by the Governor.
  • March 18, 2025: Delivered to the Governor.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed by the House and Senate with unanimous votes.
  • February 26, 2025: Introduced and referred to the Health & Welfare Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 220 represents a significant step towards improving the accessibility and affordability of behavioral health services in Idaho. By simplifying the fee structure and amending existing laws, the bill aims to enhance the delivery of mental health care while ensuring that costs remain manageable for families. The effective date of July 1, 2025, allows for the necessary adjustments to be made in preparation for its implementation.

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

Sign in to ask a question.