In partnership with the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed new, free informational resources that inform Americans of their rights under law on coverage for mental health benefits.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA or Parity Law) requires most health plans or health insurers that offer coverage for mental health conditions or substance use disorders to make these benefits comparable to those offered for medical and surgical benefits. This means that deductibles, copays, out-of-pocket maximums, and treatment limitations for mental health or substance use disorders must not be more restrictive than corresponding requirements or parameters offered for medical and surgical benefits.
“Since 2008, the Parity Law has required many group health plans and health insurance issuers that provide access to and coverage of mental health conditions and substance use disorders to do so on equal footing with physical health needs, yet many insurance providers continue to fall short in this area,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “We must do more to promote the needs and rights of the populations we serve – every person living in America should have access to equal coverage of these life-saving services and supports.”
“The full implementation of parity is essential to ensuring a healthy future for Americans,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., the HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “It is vital for people to understand that insurance companies covering mental health and substance use conditions must do so as they would other medical conditions, and to understand the steps consumers can take to seek redress if the requirements of the law are not being met.”
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 USA
