00 Enrolled HB 234                                                                                                         
01 Relating to insurance coverage for mental health benefits provided through telehealth.                                  
02                           _______________                                                                               
03    * Section 1. AS 21.42 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                  
04            Sec. 21.42.422. Coverage for telehealth and mental health benefits. A                                      
05       health care insurer that offers, issues for delivery, or renews in the state a health care                        
06       insurance plan in the group or individual market that provides mental health benefits                             
07       shall provide coverage for mental health benefits provided through telehealth by a                                
08       health care provider licensed in this state and may not require that prior in-person                              
09       contact occur between a health care provider and a patient before payment is made for                             
10       covered services.                                                                                                 
11    * Sec. 2. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to                          
12 read:                                                                                                                   
13       APPLICABILITY. AS 21.42.422, added by sec. 1 of this Act, applies to a health care                                
01 insurance plan offered, issued for delivery, delivered, or renewed on or after the effective date                       
02 of this Act.