Sec. 1. 24 MRSA §2325-A, sub-§1, ¶C, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 515, §4, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:

C.__Typical health coverage in this State continues to discriminate against mental illness and those coping with such illnesses despite repeated efforts to mandate equal coverage.__Discrimination takes the form of limiting or denying coverage with nonexistent or limited benefits compared to provisions for other illnesses, which are not limited or denied; and

Sec. 2. 24 MRSA §2325-A, sub-§2, ¶¶A and B, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 515, §4, are amended to read:

A. Promote Require that every health benefit plan that is offered, amended, delivered, continued, executed, issued for delivery or renewed in this State provide coverage and benefits for biologically based mental illness and substance abuse problems equal to or exceeding the coverage and benefits available under health benefit plans for the diagnosis and treatment of all other covered physical illnesses and ensure equitable and nondiscriminatory health coverage benefits for all forms of illness, including mental and emotional disorders, which that are of significant consequence to the health of Maine people of the State and which that can be treated in a cost-effective manner;

B. Assure Ensure that victims of mental and other illnesses have access to and choice of appropriate treatment at the earliest point of illness in least restrictive settings, including coverage for inpatient treatment, outpatient services, day treatment services, outpatient care, residential treatment, home support services, crisis intervention and resolution care, medication, maximum lifetime benefits, copayments, home visits, individual and family deductibles and coinsurance;

Sec. 3. 24 MRSA §2325-A, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1999, c. 256, Pt. O, §1, is repealed.

Sec. 4. 24 MRSA §2325-A, sub-§3-A is enacted to read:

A.__"Adult" means any person who is 19 years of age or older.

B.__"Biologically based mental illness" means any mental or nervous condition caused by a biological disorder of the brain that results in a clinically significant syndrome that substantially limits the person's functioning.