2.__Limits; coinsurance; deductibles.__Any policy, contract or certificate that provides coverage for the services required by this section may contain provisions for maximum benefits and coinsurance and reasonable limitations, deductibles and exclusions to the extent that these provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements of this section.

Sec. 4. 24-A MRSA §4245 is enacted to read:

§4245.__Coverage for emergency mental health services

1.__Required coverage for emergency mental health services.__ Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a health maintenance organization that issues individual and group health care contracts providing coverage for emergency mental health services rendered in hospital emergency rooms and mobile units shall provide coverage under those contracts for emergency mental health services provided outside the hospital in community settings.

2.__Limits; coinsurance; deductibles.__Any contract that provides coverage for the services required by this section may contain provisions for maximum benefits and coinsurance and reasonable limitations, deductibles and exclusions to the extent that these provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements of this section.

Sec. 5. Application. This Act applies to all individual and group policies and contracts executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, 2000. For purposes of this Act, a contract is deemed to be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that nonprofit hospital and medical service organizations, health insurers and health maintenance organizations that provide coverage for emergency mental health services rendered in hospital emergency rooms and mobile units to also provide coverage for emergency mental health services provided outside the hospital in community settings. It applies to all individual and group policies and contracts issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2000.