CONNECTIONS

IDAHO
ITD HOME
IDAHO DMV
ITD NEWS
HIGHWAY SAFETY
IDAHO STATE POLICE
TRAVEL SERVICES
STATE OF IDAHO

NATIONAL
AASHTO
AAMVA
AAA of IDAHO
FEDERAL HIGHWAYS
FEDERAL AVIATION
IDAHO STATE POLICE
NHTSA
NTSB
TRB
U.S. DOT

 

Idaho Transportation
Department
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
Email


Health plan to include mental illnesses

The state of Idaho initiated a three-year pilot program to develop and include Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) under health benefits for state employees.

The Department of Administration is working with health insurance plan provider Blue Cross of Idaho and Business Psychology Associates to design a mental health benefit that meets the requirements of a bill approved by the Idaho Legislature earlier this year.

HB 615 requires that certain serious mental illnesses be treated the same as any other medical condition. The pilot program began July 1.

Highlights of the new mental health benefit are:

  • All mental health claims must be pre-authorized, including any employee assistance program visits. Call (877) 427-2327 for pre authorization.
  • All employees and dependents that are eligible for benefits will continue to be eligible for five EAP visits annually. There also will be no charge for these visits.
  • All mental health claims that are not under the EAP will be subject to the same deductible and out-of-pocket maximums as other major medical expenses.

For more information about the pilot program, please refer to the attached summer edition of the Department of Administration’s Wellness Today newsletter. A more detailed explanation of the new mental health benefit also can be found on the Office of Group Insurance Web site at: http://www.adm.idaho.gov/insurance/group_index.htm

Published 7-14-06