Access to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Plain English Summary
This bill requires health insurance plans in North Carolina that cover transcranial magnetic stimulation (a noninvasive brain treatment for depression and mental disorders) to reimburse all properly licensed healthcare providers and facilities equally, without penalizing claims based on the provider's medical specialty. Insurers retain the right to decide whether to cover the treatment, which conditions it covers, coverage requirements, and reimbursement rates.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill removes barriers to mental health treatment by ensuring that qualified providers across different medical specialties—not just psychiatrists—can deliver transcranial magnetic stimulation and receive fair reimbursement. They contend this expands access to an FDA-approved treatment for depression and other mental disorders, particularly in areas where psychiatric specialists may be unavailable, and prevents insurers from discriminating against certain provider types.
Arguments Against
Opponents may argue that the bill could increase insurance costs by requiring broader reimbursement for a specialized treatment, or express concern that allowing non-psychiatric specialists to perform the procedure without specialty-based rate adjustments could compromise quality of care. They may also contend that insurers should retain full discretion over reimbursement decisions to manage costs and ensure appropriate utilization of the treatment.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 81
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 67
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 9
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 75
Cosponsors (9)
Representative · District 65
Representative · District 42
Representative · District 25
Representative · District 68
Representative · District 28
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 97
Representative · District 83
Representative · District 73
Vote Breakdown (1 roll call)
Final Vote
On: Second Reading
Party Breakdown