Legislation to Increase Access, Save Coloradans Money on Mental Health Care Passes Committee Unanimously

HB25-1002 would prevent health insurance providers from denying medically necessary mental health care

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to reduce mental health care costs for Colorado families passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today with unanimous support. 

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, HB25-1002 would reduce health care costs by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care coverage is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. 

“Access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment is crucial to the health and wellbeing of Colorado families,” said Amabile. “Far too often, insurance companies deny medically necessary mental health claims with little to no justification, and Coloradans who are already struggling end up with huge costs or no care at all. This bill would help Coloradans get the care they need at a price they can afford.” 

HB25-1002 would ensure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. It would prevent providers from denying coverage for medically necessary mental and behavioral health and substance use services. 

The bill would also codify federal mental health parity rules into state law, requiring mental health services to be covered at an equal level to physical health services, and implement clinical standards from select national organizations to ensure parity. 

HB25-1002 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.