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SB 893

Insurance: insurers; insurance providers to panel a mental health provider within a certain time period of application process; require. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406mm.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Cherry

Michigan bill requiring insurers to add mental health providers to insurance panels within unspecified timeframe to improve care access and reduce patient out-of-pocket costs.

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Bill Summary · SB 893

Legislative bill overview

SB 893 would require insurance providers in Michigan to add qualified mental health providers to their insurance panels within a specified timeframe after receiving applications from providers. The bill amends Michigan's insurance code by creating a new section governing mental health provider network access and timing requirements.

Why is this important

Mental health care access depends partly on whether providers accept a patient's insurance. Delays in adding providers to insurance panels can create gaps in available mental health services and force patients to seek out-of-network care at higher costs. This bill attempts to address potential bottlenecks in the provider network enrollment process that may limit mental health care availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Undefined timeline: The bill references "a certain time period" without specifying how long insurers would have to panel providers, leaving the actual requirement vague and potentially subject to future regulation
  • Qualification standards: The bill doesn't clearly define what makes a provider "qualified" for paneling, which could create disputes over eligibility and insurers' discretion to deny applications
  • Insurance company burden: Insurers may argue that rapid paneling requirements increase administrative costs and could force them to accept providers before completing necessary credentialing and network planning reviews

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

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