Parity in Treatment of Mental, Substance Use Disorders - US Changes

Obama Administration Issues Changes to Rules - Requiring Parity in Treatment of Mental, Substance Use Disorders
In a press release 29 January 2010 the US Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders.
The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans-typically offered by employers-from restricting access to care by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin said "These rules expand on existing protections to ensure that people don't face unnecessary barriers to the treatment they need. Workers covered by group health plans who need mental health and substance abuse care deserve fair treatment."
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