Georgia's new mental health parity law took effect July 1

Abstract

Under the state's new mental health parity law, Georgia health insurers must cover mental health treatment at the same level as physical ailments, the Cherokee Tribune & Ledger‐News reported on July 2 (see MHW, May 30). “Parity kicks in immediately,” Rep. Todd Jones, R‐South Forsyth, said about the new law's July 1 start date. “Georgia families hopefully have a greater opportunity to receive treatment they're entitled to,” Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D‐Decatur, bill co‐sponsor, said of the change introduced by the new parity rule. “Folks that have not been getting adequate treatment: new funding is coming, new attention is coming,” Oliver said. The mental health law also sets up a new Multi‐Agency Treatment for Children (MATCH) team. The team will start meeting soon and look carefully at the problem of Georgia children in state custody who lack stable placements, Oliver said. The new mental health law also helps set up mental health co‐responder programs, Oliver said, with funds provided in the fiscal year 2023 budget. Later this year, the state will solicit proposals from communities that want to set up assisted outpatient treatment programs. The new mental health law provides for five such programs on a pilot basis.