Resource Management: Parity and Access to Care

Abstract

The current structure of our mental health parity laws are a combination of multiple bills at the national and state levels which have been passed since the original Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). With the MHPAEA only employer-provided insurance programs that covered 50 or more employees and covered mental health services were required to have parity between mental health and physical health coverage. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and its essential benefit mandate (which required the coverage of mental health services) the MHPAEA broadened its reach to include smaller health plans and some Medicaid plans. Reforms in Medicare, CHIP and Tricare also have included parity between mental health and physical health coverage. Despite these changes there is still work needed in regards to state parity laws and better access to care. This review contains 5 figures, and 25 references. Key Words: Parity, Mental Health, Access, Coverage, MHPA, MHPAEA, NQTL, Essential Health Benefits