RCW 48.21.240
Mental health treatment, optional supplemental coverage -- Waiver. (Effective until January 1, 2008.)

(1) For groups not covered by RCW 48.21.241, each group insurer providing disability insurance coverage in this state for hospital or medical care under contracts which are issued, delivered, or renewed in this state shall offer optional supplemental coverage for mental health treatment for the insured and the insured's covered dependents.

     (2) Benefits shall be provided under the optional supplemental coverage for mental health treatment whether treatment is rendered by: (a) A licensed mental health provider regulated under chapter 18.57, 18.71, 18.79, 18.83, or 18.225 RCW; (b) a community mental health agency licensed by the department of social and health services pursuant to chapter 71.24 RCW; or (c) a state hospital as defined in RCW 72.23.010. The treatment shall be covered at the usual and customary rates for such treatment. The insurer providing optional coverage under the provisions of this section for mental health services may establish separate usual and customary rates for services rendered by the different categories of providers listed in (a) through (c) of this subsection. However, the treatment may be subject to contract provisions with respect to reasonable deductible amounts or copayments. In order to qualify for coverage under this section, a licensed community mental health agency shall have in effect a plan for quality assurance and peer review, and the treatment shall be supervised by one of the categories of providers listed in (a) of this subsection.

     (3) For groups not covered by RCW 48.21.241, the group disability insurance contract may provide that all the coverage for mental health treatment is waived for all covered members if the contract holder so states in advance in writing to the insurer.

     (4) This section shall not apply to a group disability insurance contract that has been entered into in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement between management and labor representatives prior to March 1, 1987.

[2005 c 6 § 7; 1987 c 283 § 3; 1986 c 184 § 2; 1983 c 35 § 1.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- Severability -- 2005 c 6: See notes following RCW 41.05.600.

     Severability -- Savings -- 1987 c 283: See notes following RCW 43.20A.020.

     Legislative intent -- 1986 c 184: "It is the intent of the legislature that all insurers, health care service contractors, and health maintenance organizations that provide health care coverage in the state shall offer the option of including mental health treatment in their health benefit plans. Further it is the intent of the legislature that all mental health care benefit plans shall provide reimbursement for mental health treatment by every type of provider listed as follows: Physicians licensed under chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW, psychologists licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW, and community mental health agencies licensed under chapter 71.24 RCW." [1986 c 184 § 1.]

     Effective date -- 1986 c 184: "This act shall take effect March 1, 1987." [1986 c 184 § 5.]

     Severability -- 1986 c 184: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1986 c 184 § 6.]

     Effective date -- 1983 c 35: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1983." [1983 c 35 § 5.]

     Severability -- 1983 c 35: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1983 c 35 § 4.]