IMHCA

Mental Health Parity means equality for insurance coverage of mental health and substance abuse. Although almost all employers who offer health insurance include some mental health care benefits, many plans restrict the mental health care they will cover through such means as limiting annual or lifetime spending, the number of inpatient days, or outpatient visits. The limits on mental health care are generally much more restrictive than those on other types of care. This new law changes that. After the law was passed health plans covering more than 50 employees will be prohibited from using different deductibles, co-payment requirements, or treatment limits for mental health and addictive disorder services than are used for other types of covered care.

When Does It Start Rules will need to be developed. We anticipate October 2009.

Who Does It Apply To?The parity law's requirements will apply to group health plans for plan years beginning one year from now. This new law will require most private sector health plans to provide insurance coverage for mental and addictive disorder services on the same terms and conditions as other types of care.

Where Can I Read More? The full text of the law can be found here: Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
More information can be found on Capwiz's website: Parity Bill Enacted