Washington state is fining health insurance giant Regence Blue Shield over half a million dollars for disparities between its mental health and medical coverage.

For years, Regence failed to provide the state with detailed documentation showing its behavioral health offerings are comparable to medical or surgical coverage, in violation of state and federal law. The data the company did provide showed major differences between the two types of care, including for in-network reimbursement rates, among other areas.

“Throughout this process, Regence’s staff appeared to willfully misinterpret our questions, dismiss our concerns and generally disregard their own responsibilities to their members’ well-being,” state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer said in a statement.

Regence argued parit

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