Whereas, current law limits the number of visits per year for psychological services benefits for individual and group counseling under MaineCare Basic; and

Whereas, this legislation needs to take effect immediately so that the number of visits can be extended as soon as possible; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3174-FF, sub-§3, śC, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. MMM, §1, is amended:

C. A member is eligible for psychological services benefits for individual and group counseling. Benefits for one or both types of counseling combined are limited to a total of 16 one-hour visits per year, except that more visits may be approved through prior authorization by the department.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill allows more than 16 visits per year for psychological services benefits for individual and group counseling for which a member is eligible under MaineCare Basic if the member obtains prior approval for the extra visits from the department.