(1) A health insurance issuer that issues, modifies, or renews individual or group health insurance coverage or a group health plan shall provide for the necessary care and treatment of mental illness, severe mental illness, and substance use disorders at a level of benefits that is no less favorable than the level provided for physical illness generally, including:
(a) inpatient benefits;
(b) outpatient benefits;
(c) emergency care; and
(d) prescription drugs.
(2) For the purposes of this section, "no less favorable" means the same level of parity as required under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and related federal regulations as of January 1, 2017.
(3) Coverage for a child with autism who is 18 years of age or younger must comply with 33-22-515 (3) through 33-22-515 (5) if the child is diagnosed with:
(a) autistic disorder;
(b) Asperger's disorder; or
(c) pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.