HB856

Require health plans, Medicaid cover mental health well checks

House | Introduced In House

📋 What This Bill Does

HB856 aims to require health benefit plans and the Medicaid program to cover annual mental health well checks for both children and adults. These well checks would be conducted by licensed mental health professionals and include various assessments, screenings, education, and referrals to mental health services as needed.

Plain English summary · Non-partisan · Auto-generated

Rationale

The bill partially aligns with libertarian principles by supporting individual choice in healthcare decisions and respecting the rights of individuals to seek mental health services. However, it also involves government mandates on health insurance coverage, which may interfere with free market dynamics.

Risks and Concerns

Government mandating specific coverage may increase costs for individuals and reduce choices in the healthcare market.
Mandates like these can set precedents for further government intervention in healthcare, potentially expanding government control over personal health decisions.

Platform Citations (2)

2.13 Health Care (2_13) NEUTRAL

The bill involves government intervention in healthcare coverage and services.

2.1 Aggression, Property, and Contract (2_1) OPPOSES

The bill involves government mandates on health insurance coverage.

Rationale

The bill scores low on the libertarian platform as it mandates coverage by health benefit plans and Medicaid, which can be seen as government intervention in the healthcare sector and potentially infringing on free market principles.

Risks and Concerns

Mandating coverage by health benefit plans and Medicaid could increase costs for individuals and taxpayers, going against free market principles.
Government involvement in healthcare through mandates sets a precedent for further intervention and control over the healthcare industry.

Platform Citations (2)

Free Markets (free_markets) OPPOSES

The bill mandates coverage by health benefit plans and Medicaid, interfering with the free market's ability to set prices and services.

Taxation & Spending (taxation_spending) OPPOSES

The bill could potentially increase costs for taxpayers if health benefit plans and Medicaid are required to cover additional services.

Rationale

The bill aligns with libertarian principles of individual liberty by promoting access to mental health services without mandating individuals to undergo check-ups. It also supports limited government by mandating coverage but allowing for private implementation. However, it could be seen as government intervention in the healthcare sector, which may conflict with free market principles.

Risks and Concerns

Government intervention in mandating coverage may distort the market and limit choices for both individuals and insurers.
The bill could increase costs for health benefit plans and Medicaid, potentially leading to higher premiums or reduced coverage options.

Platform Citations (1)

Civic Participation (civic-participation) SUPPORTS

While not directly related to the bill, this section emphasizes the importance of individual choice and access to information, which are key libertarian principles.

Rationale

The bill aligns with libertarian principles of individual liberty by ensuring access to mental health services without government interference. However, it expands government involvement in healthcare, which may conflict with the limited government principle. The bill also supports the idea of individuals having the freedom to seek mental health support without financial barriers, aligning with libertarian values of individual autonomy.

Risks and Concerns

Expanding Medicaid coverage could increase government spending and further entrench government involvement in healthcare, potentially limiting free market competition and individual choice.
Mandating coverage by health benefit plans could lead to increased costs for individuals and businesses, reducing economic freedom.
Government regulations in healthcare may stifle innovation and limit the quality of services provided, going against free market principles.

Platform Citations (1)

Freedom Speech (plank-1778182656-550) SUPPORTS

The bill aims to ensure access to mental health services without government interference, aligning with the protection of individual liberties.