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Bill

A 3319

Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Didi Barrett and 19 co-sponsors

Bill A 3319 mandates insurance coverage for outpatient care by creative arts therapists, improving access to mental health support through alternative therapies.

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Bill Summary · A 3319

Summary of Bill A 3319

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 3319
  • Title: Relates to including outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists in certain insurance policies
  • Status: Returned to Assembly
  • Introduced: January 27, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 3319 aims to expand insurance coverage to include outpatient care provided by creative arts therapists. This legislation seeks to recognize the therapeutic benefits of creative arts therapies—such as art, music, and dance therapy—by ensuring that these services are covered under specific insurance policies. The intent is to improve access to mental health care and support for individuals who may benefit from these alternative therapeutic approaches.

Key Provisions

  • Insurance Coverage: The bill mandates that certain insurance policies must include coverage for outpatient services provided by licensed creative arts therapists.
  • Definition of Services: The legislation outlines what constitutes creative arts therapy, ensuring clarity on the types of services that will be covered.
  • Eligibility Requirements: It specifies the qualifications and licensing requirements for therapists to be eligible for reimbursement under these policies.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The bill is expected to benefit individuals seeking mental health support through creative arts therapies, including children and adults who may not respond well to traditional therapeutic methods.
  • Therapists: Licensed creative arts therapists will gain recognition and support through insurance reimbursement, potentially increasing the demand for their services.
  • Insurance Providers: Insurance companies will need to adjust their policies and reimbursement structures to comply with the new requirements set forth by this legislation.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Insurance Committee.
  • February 24, 2025: Bill reported out of committee.
  • February 27, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • March 19, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • March 19, 2025: Referred to the Senate Insurance Committee.
  • June 10, 2025: Substituted for companion bill S 1001, passed in the Senate, and returned to the Assembly.

Related Bills

  • A 6173: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • S 1001: The companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 3319.

Conclusion

Bill A 3319 represents a significant step towards integrating creative arts therapies into mainstream mental health care by ensuring that these services are covered by insurance policies. This legislation could enhance access to diverse therapeutic options for individuals in need of mental health support.

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

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