(1) An individual or group health benefit plan delivered or issued for delivery within this state by an entity subject to the provisions of part 2, 3, or 4 of this article 16 that provides coverage for treatment of a substance use disorder must provide coverage for such treatment regardless of whether the treatment is voluntary or court-ordered as a result of contact with the criminal justice or legal system. The health benefit plan is only required to provide coverage for benefits that are medically necessary and otherwise covered under the plan. Such coverage is subject to copayment, deductible, and policy maximums and limitations. Health benefit plans issued by an entity subject to the provisions of part 4 of this article 16 may provide that the benefits required pursuant to this section are covered benefits only if the services are deemed medically necessary and are rendered by a provider who is designated by and affiliated with the health maintenance organization.
(2) Nothing in this section mandates or is meant to construe that any health benefit plan must provide coverage for treatment of a substance use disorder.
Source: L. 2002: Entire section added, p. 750, § 1, effective January 1, 2003. L. 2017: Entire section amended, (SB 17-242), ch. 263, p. 1264, § 36, effective May 25.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-242, see section 1 of chapter 263, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.