A new bill in the Kansas statehouse is aimed at reducing suicides by removing barriers to mental health care. A bipartisan group of senators filed the bill after hearing from the families of people who died by suicide or accidental overdoses. Known as the Kristi L. Bennett Mental Health Parity Act, the bill would prevent prior authorization or other insurance requirements that can delay mental health care. Kristi Bennett’s sister Jenn Cook says that her sister, who was suffering from severe depression, was told she could not be admitted to a facility unless she was in a crisis situation, meaning unless she had attempted suicide, at an out-of-network mental health facility.
Republican state senator Molly Baumgardner says the bill would prevent prior authorization or other insurance requirements that can delay mental health care. The bill would require insurance companies to approve immediate mental health services if a healthcare provider says it’s necessary. Lawmakers will consider the bill after the legislative session starts next month.
