00               SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 234(L&C)                                                             
01 "An Act relating to insurance coverage for mental health benefits provided through                                      
02 telehealth."                                                                                                            
03 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
04    * Section 1. AS 21.42 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                  
05            Sec. 21.42.422. Coverage for telehealth and mental health benefits. A                                      
06       health care insurer that offers, issues for delivery, or renews in the state a health care                        
07       insurance plan in the group or individual market that provides mental health benefits                             
08       shall provide coverage for mental health benefits provided through telehealth by a                                
09       health care provider licensed in this state and may not require that prior in-person                              
10       contact occur between a health care provider and a patient before payment is made for                             
11       covered services.                                                                                                 
12    * Sec. 2. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to                          
13 read:                                                                                                                   
14       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.