California Insurance Code

§ 10144.57

INS § 10144.57 Effective Jul 10, 2023Div. 2 · Part 2 · Ch. 1 · Art. 2.5

Statute text

(a)Coverage of mental health and substance use disorder treatment pursuant to Section 10144.5 includes behavioral health crisis services that are provided to an insured by a 988 center, mobile crisis team, or other provider of behavioral health crisis services, as set forth in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 53123.1) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code, regardless of whether the service is provided by an in-network or out-of-network provider or facility. With respect to behavioral health crisis services that are provided to an insured by a 988 center or mobile crisis team, a health insurance policy shall cover, at a minimum, all items and services that are eligible for coverage under the Medi-Cal program.

(b)(1) An insurer shall not require prior authorization for behavioral health crisis stabilization services and care provided by a 988 center, mobile crisis team, or other provider of behavioral health crisis services.

(2)Notwithstanding any other law, payment for behavioral health crisis stabilization services and care pursuant to this section shall not be denied unless a health insurer reasonably determines that care was not rendered.

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Legislative history

Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 42, Sec. 56. (AB 118) Effective July 10, 2023.