Frequently Asked Questions about Mental Health Coverage

How can I get services?
What can I expect from my insurance plan?

What about parity?

The Mental Health Parity Act, MHPA, of 1996 requires plans that offer mental health benefits to set lifetime dollar limits equivalent to limits for medical/surgical benefits; however, it does not require all plans to offer mental health benefits. Limits for substance abuse or chemical dependency benefits are not included in the determination of parity.

To learn more about the Mental Health Parity Act, access CMS.

If you are leaving a job for any reason and would like to learn more about continuing your current health insurance you can refer to Insurance Legal Aspects at the Epilepsy Foundation and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Many States have their own mental health parity laws. Some State parity laws deal with substance abuse benefits as well as treatments for mental illness. To learn more about parity and mental health coverage in your own State, contact your State department of insurance.

Want to know more about mental health parity? Check out SAMHSA.gov.

Psychiatric drugs can be very expensive, especially for individuals without health insurance.  However, many companies offer programs to assist patients in paying for their prescription drugs.  Patient Assistance Programs.