The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act from 2008 required mental health benefits to be covered by health plans at the same level as physical care. The law was recently strengthened in 2020… and 10 states were used in a pilot program to track whether the changes were having an effect.
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow championed the initial legislation. She says the changes that improve access to care have made a difference in this state….
Senator Stabenow says, “Our 10 demonstration state program has had amazing results from 68% fewer emergency room visits to 60% Fewer people sitting in jail and you know who loves that our sheriffs and our police chiefs who want people to get care.”
Following a public comment period… the Biden Administration plans to close loopholes in order to ensure people are being covered in accordance with the law.
