Insurance, Health, Accident - As introduced, requires health insurance carriers to provide mental health coverage in parity with alcoholism and drug dependence coverage. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

SB 1248 requires Tennessee health insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health services as they do for alcoholism and drug dependence treatment. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to health insurance (including Title 56, Section 56-7-2360(c)) to mandate that coverage for mental health must be "to the same extent" as coverage for substance use disorders. It directly affects health insurance carriers and their plans, requiring them to ensure parity in benefits, reimbursement rates, and coverage criteria. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all new or renewed insurance policies after that date.