Recently, Gov. Beshear signed several healthcare bills into law.
HB 148 allows an insured to make a written assignment of substance abuse or mental health treatment benefits to a facility providing such services. Insurers may require the facility to, amongst other items, furnish information to an insured, including a statement if the facility is an out-of-network provider and that the facility may charge the insured for services not covered under the insurance contract, a schedule of applicable charges, and submit claims within ninety days of providing the service. The effective date of this Act is June 29, 2023, and applies to health insurance policies issued, delivered, or renewed on or after that date.
HB 170 creates a new health coverage mandate for insured plans in the state, requiring coverage for oocyte and sperm preservation services when a medically necessary treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility. Coverage shall include evaluation, laboratory assessments, medication and treatment, including obtaining, freezing, and storage for up to one year. The effective date of this Act is January 1, 2025, and applies to health insurance policies issued or renewed on or after that date.
HB 180 requires insured plans in Kentucky to cover testing for biomarkers, such as gene mutations or known gene-drug interactions, if supported by medical and scientific evidence to diagnose or treat an insured’s disease or condition. The effective date of this Act is January 1, 2024, and applies to health insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after that date.
Employers that sponsor insured plans should be aware of these new laws and may want to contact their carrier for further information.