Kreidler calls for insurers to review mental health denials back to 2006

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is directing all health insurers in Washington state to identify any policyholders who had mental health services denied because of a blanket or categorical exclusion since Jan. 1, 2006 and notify them of their right to have their claim re-evaluated.

The Washington State Supreme Court recently ruled that Washington’s Mental Health Parity Act prevents insurers from using blanket exclusions for mental health services that may be medically necessary. Kreidler sent a letter to the insurers today (PDF, 371KB), outlining his expectations for how to implement the court’s decision and what steps he expects them to take on behalf of consumers.