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Bill

HB 2041

Relating to mental health services parity.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Nosse

Oregon bill HB 2041 requires health insurers to provide equivalent mental health coverage and reimbursement rates as physical health services, eliminating insurance-level disparities in behavioral health treatment access.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 2041

Legislative bill overview

HB 2041 addresses mental health services parity in Oregon, likely requiring health insurance plans to provide equivalent coverage and reimbursement rates for mental health services as they do for physical health services. The bill aims to eliminate disparities in how insurance companies treat mental health versus medical/surgical benefits.

Why is this important

Mental health parity laws help ensure that individuals struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders have equal access to treatment without facing higher out-of-pocket costs or more restrictive coverage limits than those seeking physical health care. This directly impacts affordability and treatment accessibility for Oregon residents dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other behavioral health conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry costs: Insurers may argue that expanded mental health coverage increases premiums for all policyholders, though federal parity laws suggest costs are manageable
  • Provider network adequacy: Requiring equal reimbursement rates may not automatically expand the shortage of mental health providers in rural Oregon areas, potentially creating access issues despite coverage parity
  • Scope of coverage: Disagreement may exist over which services qualify (therapy, medication management, peer support, alternative treatments) and whether "parity" means identical coverage or equivalent value

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

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