AB 154 (Beall) – Support
As Amended on March 24, 2011
AB 154 by Assembly Member Jim Beall would require Knox-Keene
licensed health plans to expand mental health coverage to include
the diagnosis and treatment of any mental health condition or
disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV
(DSM-IV) (or subsequent editions), including substance abuse and
nicotine treatment. Assembly Bill 154 would also allow the newly
established California Health Benefit Exchange to offer mental
health services that conform with the minimum essential benefits
package as outlined in the federal Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148).
Counties believe that AB 154, if enacted, would reduce costly
hospitalizations, incarcerations, and homelessness, thereby
reducing overall health care costs in the state. For example,
according to the 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease, people
diagnosed with depression have nearly twice the annual health
care costs of those without depression. AB 154 would help ensure
that private health plans treat individuals with mental health,
substance use or co-occurring disorders in a comprehensive and
meaningful way.
Assembly Appropriations Committee passed AB 154 on January 19.
The measure is headed to the Assembly Floor.
