Colorado Code § 10-16-104.8

Behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder services coverage - court-ordered
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(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 behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder services must provide
coverage for behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder services regardless of whether
the services are voluntary or court-ordered as a result of contact with the criminal justice or
juvenile justice system. The health benefit plan is required to provide coverage only for benefits
that are medically necessary and otherwise covered under the plan. Such coverage is subject to
applicable in- or out-of-network copayment, deductible, and policy maximums and limitations.
The court order for behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder services must not
mandate the type of behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder services or the length
and frequency of treatment that is to be covered by the health benefit plan. The health benefit
plan is only responsible for those benefits that are covered by the health benefit plan and not
those that are court-ordered that exceed the scope of benefits as provided by the health plan.
Determination of medically necessary behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder
services must be made by the health benefit plan based on the submitted clinical treatment plan
from a provider who is designated by and affiliated with the health benefit plan. 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 a health benefit plan
provide coverage for behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder services.
(3) For purposes of this section, "behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder
services" includes the prevention of, screening for, and treatment of behavioral, mental health, or
substance use disorders as described in section 10-16-104 (5.5).
(4) For purposes of this section, "behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorder
services" does not include services that are outside the scope of the contract. Such behavioral,
mental health, or substance use disorder services that are outside the scope of the contract may
include: Services that are custodial or residential in nature, probation assessments, testing for
ability, aptitude, or intelligence, or performing evaluations, such as placement evaluations,
custody evaluations, reunification assessments, or community risk assessments for any purpose
other than treatment of behavioral, mental health, or substance use disorders.

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