Leading peer reviewed journal, Health Affairs, explores critical health science topics and disperse information in the form of a brief. Recently, Health Affairs released a brief on mental health parity. The article highlighted the history of the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) and the Mental Health Parity Addiction and Equity Act (MHPAEA). MHPAEA is very similar to MHPA, both demanding mental health parity but with the inclusion of substance use disorders. The brief also described upcoming challenges to fully implement the law such as transparency, lack of supply and availability of mental health providers, and aligning coverage for care levels that are unique to behavioral health and surgical/medical care.
Parity advocates strongly believe that the MHPAEA is another step closer to complete mental health and substance use parity. Though the final ruling is currently in effect, one potential problem is making sure state insurance commissioners are making time to enforce compliance among all stakeholders as well as overseeing the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
To read more on the Mental Health Parity Addiction and Equity Act, click here.
The Maryland Parity Project provides consumers and providers with information regarding parity laws and offers assistance those who’s right may have violated. Explore key features on our website to learn more about Maryland Parity regulations, how to navigate the insurance appeals process, and check out resource page containing parity terminology.