This video from the American Psychological Association explains it. Mental Health Insurance: Get the Whole Picture
In the past, insurance covered physical health ailments but did not cover mental health ailments.
“According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 41 million Americans were estimated to experience mental illness in 2012. Yet, an overwhelming majority of Americans remain unaware that health insurers are required to provide coverage for mental health, behavioral health and substance-use disorders that is comparable to coverage for physical health.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which requires mental and behavioral health coverage to be equal to or better than coverage for physical health, with no annual limits or higher co-pays or deductibles for treatment of mental health disorders or substance-use. The law applies to most employer-provided health plans and to individual plans purchased through the new state and federal health insurance exchanges.”
This article and vide appear on the American Psychological Association’s website. To find other Resources on Mental Health Parity Law use this link.
