Effective January 1, 2003, insurers offering group health insurance products will be required to provide coverage for emergency mental health services under a coordinated emergency mental health services plan. Insurers should carefully review the new law and this memorandum to determine whether the law applies to your company. It is each insurer's responsibility to ensure that its policy forms and procedures are in compliance with the new law. You may obtain copies of the new law from Legislative Documents, 1 East Main Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, (608) 266-2400. Copies of legislation are also available on the Internet at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/.
Section Ins 3.37 (3), Wis. Adm. Code, regarding transitional treatment arrangements, has been amended to clarify that coverage is subject to "the exclusions or limitations, including deductibles and copayments, that are generally applicable to coverage under s. 632.89 (2), Stats." Section Ins 3.37 (3) (g), Wis. Adm. Code, was created to mandate coverage for emergency mental health services as a transitional treatment option. The code was also amended to correct several cross reference cites.
Any questions concerning this bulletin may be directed to Diane Dambach, Chief, Accident and Health Insurance Section at diane.dambach@wisconsin.gov.