Section 71-5-171 - Mental health services - Mandatory coverage and reimbursement(a) As used in this section: (1) "Health benefit plan" means a plan of health insurance coverage under the medical assistance program;(2) "Health insurance carrier": (A) Means an entity subject to title 56, or subject to the jurisdiction of the commissioner of commerce and insurance, that contracts with healthcare providers in connection with a plan of health insurance, health benefits, or health services; and(B) Includes a vendor or an entity that provides a health benefit plan of coverage under TennCare or a successor program provided for pursuant to this chapter; and(3) "TennCare health benefit plan" means a health benefit plan issued by a health insurance carrier pursuant to an agreement with the bureau of TennCare to provide health insurance coverage for an enrollee in the medical assistance program.(b) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, a TennCare health benefit plan issued by a health insurance carrier must provide coverage and reimbursement for mental health services and treatment to the same extent that the TennCare health benefit plan provides coverage and reimbursement for the treatment of alcoholism and drug dependence.Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 949,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.