The 2008 Federal Parity Law requires insurers to cover illnesses of the brain, such as depression or addiction, no more restrictively than illnesses of the body, such as diabetes or cancer.
As the nationwide mental health and addiction crisis continues, mental health parity is more important than ever. Unfortunately, many insurers are still not following the law.
Resources
Why is Parity Important?
Too often, people can’t get the help they need because of insurers’ overly aggressive managed-care techniques. Confused and overwhelmed with treatment costs that insurance won’t cover, many give up and suffer in silence. It is time to break that silence and shine a spotlight on a system that oppresses those with mental health and addiction challenges. Parity is now a human rights issue; it is time to demand change. Review the fact sheet below to learn more.
View ResourceIs Your Insurance Company Breaking The Law?
Insurer violations of mental health parity laws can take many forms, including placing limits on how long and how often patients can receive care, providing insufficient networks of mental health providers, and more. Most people are unaware that a parity violation has even occurred. If you know what to watch out for, you will be better equipped to assert your rights. Click the image below to learn more about common parity violations and other important parity issues.
View ResourceHelp Influence Parity Law
Frequently Asked Questions
The Alignment for Progress
Goals for the Alignment for Progress Movement: 90/90/90 by 2033
As part of the Alignment for Progress, we have articulated goals for 2023: 90% of individuals will be screened for mental health conditions or substance use disorders; 90% will receive the evidence-based services and supports they need, and 90% of those treated will be able to manage their symptoms and achieve recovery.
Read More About These Goals
Collaborating for Systemic Change
The Kennedy Forum's Alignment for Progress unites stakeholders to accelerate progress in the systems of mental health and substance use disorder care to ensure a more inclusive and effective system. We are calling, urgently, for stakeholders from across the mental health and substance use landscape to join us.
Explore the Alignment for Progress
Comprehensive Policies for Change
The Kennedy Forum has created the National Strategy for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders as part of The Alignment for Progress to tackle systemic barriers in U.S. mental health and substance use care. This strategy provides a blueprint for achieving mental health equity and systemic change, featuring over 200 policy recommendations to overhaul the existing care framework.
Learn more about the National Strategy
