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make available coverage for those services when performed by a | counseling professional who is licensed by the State pursuant to | Title 32, chapter 119 to assess and treat interpersonal and | intrapersonal problems, has at least a masters degree in | counseling or a related field from an accredited educational | institution and has been employed as a counselor for at least 2 | years. Any contract providing coverage for the services of | counseling professionals pursuant to this section may be subject | to any reasonable limitations, maximum benefits, coinsurance, | deductibles or exclusion provisions applicable to overall | benefits under the contract. This subsection applies to all | contracts executed, delivered, issued for delivery, continued or | renewed in this State on or after January 1, 1997. For purposes | of this subsection, all contracts are deemed renewed no later | than the next yearly anniversary of the contract date. |
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| | Sec. 3. 24-A MRSA §4234-A, sub-§8, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 407, | §10, is amended to read: |
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| | 8. Contracts; providers. Subject to approval by the | superintendent pursuant to section 4204, a health maintenance | organization incorporated under this chapter shall allow | providers, pursuant to sections 2744 and 2835, to contract for | and receive payment, subject to the health maintenance | organization's credentialling policy, for the provision of | mental health services within the scope of the provider's | licensure. |
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| | Sec. 4. Application. This Act applies to all policies, contracts | and certificates executed, delivered, issued for delivery, | continued or renewed in this State on or after January 1, | 2004. For purposes of this Act, all contracts are deemed to | be renewed no later than the next yearly anniversary of the | contract date. |
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| | This bill mandates that all health care plans reimburse | licensed clinical professional counselors for mental health | services. The bill applies to all policies and contracts | issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2004. |
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