Cause for celebration or just one victory in a long-term battle
On November 8, 2013 the Obama administration released the final rule providing guidance on how health insurance plans should implement mental health parity. In short, the rule states that mental health coverage must be equitable to how insurance plans cover other physical conditions. Restrictions accessing care and reimbursement for services can no longer be different for mental health in relation to other health care services. Additionally the ACA, more popularly known as Obamacare, requires that mental health coverage be included as an essential health benefit for plans available through the market exchange. In short, as of January 1, 2014 private, marketplace exchange and Medicaid Expansion plans must offer mental health care and it must be with parity.
Much has been written about the ruling. Most of it positive. Bloomberg BNA states advocates are praising the rule. The National Council applauds the ruling saying it is “a huge victory for people living with mental health needs and for the nation as a whole.
CFYM has covered the topic in past blogs and has provided instructions on how to fight for your coverage rights by challenging an insurance claim denial. Carol McDaid of the Parity Implementation Coalition posted on September 19 that now is the time to become an informed, empowered, and vocal consumer. There is much work still to be done to ensure the civil rights and protection of people living with a mental health condition when it comes to access, however.
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