News
It’s Only January…But This Will Be One of 2010’s Most Important Stories for Patients and Families
It is only January, but you can count on this being one of the most important stories of 2010 for patients.
As of July 1, 2010, employers with more than 50 workers must provide “parity,” or equal coverage, for mental illness. You should not notice any difference whether you have diabetes or depression.
No more discrimination.
The law passed in 2008 with both sides of the aisle supporting this law.
“Many Americans will get broader coverage for mental illness and substance abuse treatment under rules issued Friday by the Obama administration.
“Health plans offered by employers with more than 50 workers will be required to treat mental health benefits the same way they handle coverage for physical ailments. That means no separate annual deductibles for mental health treatment. And copayments for visiting a psychiatrist or social worker can’t be more than the charge for going to the family doctor or a medical specialist. (Emphasis added)
“Health plans will be under an obligation to provide the same level of coverage for treatment of mental illness as they do for cancer, diabetes and heart disease,” said Andrew Sperling of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“The rules, which take effect July 1, provide a blueprint for employers to carry out a law passed by Congress in 2008 with broad bipartisan support.”
Source: ABC News, January 29, 2010
