Amends TCA Title 8; Title 33; Title 56 and Title 71.

This bill requires every health insurance policy, certificate, contract, plan or health benefit plan that is issued, amended, delivered, or renewed in this state and provides coverage for both medical and surgical benefits and mental health or substance use disorder benefits to provide coverage for an annual mental health wellness examination of at least 45 minutes that is performed by a mental health professional. <br /> <br /> As used in this bill, a ''mental health wellness examination" includes, at a minimum, (i) behavioral health screening, (ii) education and consultation on healthy lifestyle changes, (iii) referrals to ongoing treatment, mental health services, and other supports, and (iv) discussion of potential options for medication. <br /> <br /> This bill provides that the coverage required by this bill must (i) be no less extensive than the coverage provided for medical and surgical benefits, (ii) comply with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, and (iii) not be subject to copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or any other cost-sharing requirements.<br />