Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits Parity

Abstract

Traditionally mental health and substance abuse disorders have been treated less generously than medical/surgical benefits in employment-provided health plans and health insurance contracts. That changed with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 as amended and extended by the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Obamacare). It has been found that parity has not added significantly to health plan cost. The parity concept now applies to health plans and insurance contracts throughout the United States. This article examines that legislative development and the attending regulations and enforcement efforts. The Trump administration has vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and it has already weakened it. If it succeeds, it will also weaken the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and its parity requirements. That would be regrettable requirements.