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Fair Insurance Coverage: IT’S THE LAW
Federal law is clear that insurers can no longer discriminate against patients with mental illness, including substance use disorders. But how many people know what constitutes a violation under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)? Patients who know their rights are better equipped to protect their rights.
That’s why APA created the “Fair Insurance Coverage: It’s the Law” poster to help enforce the parity law and end discrimination (available in both English and Spanish).
The poster clearly and simply explains the law and the steps to take when a violation is suspected. Print it out and post it (in physicians’ offices, clinics, break rooms at workplaces) and share the link.
Download the Mental Health Parity Poster
How to File a Complaint
If you believe any of these rights on the poster have been violated, here is how to file a complaint:
- Identify your type of insurance coverage from the chart below
- Complete your complaint letter using the templates
- Submit to the responsible agency
| Step 1: Identify your type of insurance coverage from the list below | Step 2: Complete your complaint letter using the templates | Step 3: Submit to the responsible agency |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance plans (plans purchased by employers, or by individuals) | Template complaint letter to state insurance commissionerDownload Template | State insurance commissioner. Find your commissioner. |
| Employer pays for coverage (Self-funded plan) | Template complaint letter to Department of LaborDownload Template | U.S. Department of Labor |
| Insurance through state/local government employers | Template complaint letter to Department of Health and Human ServicesDownload Template | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
APA Members: How to Report a Problem
To report problems with parity or for other practice management issues, APA members may call the Practice Management HelpLine at (800) 343-4671 or send an email to hsf@psych.org. Please include the following information:
- a brief statement of problem
- your name and contact information (email/phone)
- health plan’s name
- type of health plan (group health plan, self-funded health plan, etc.)
- state where insurance is issued
- whether the employer employs 50 or more employees
- if health insurance is provide by an employer
For CPT coding changes and insurance parity issues around the new codes: If you still have “how to” questions or if you are having issues with reimbursement, let us know.
For questions about regulatory guidance, contact the Department of Government Relations at (703) 907-7800 or send an email to advocacy@psych.org.
Non Members: How to Report Problems to the Parity Implementation Coalition
Send an email to info@mentalhealthparitywatch.org or call (866) 882-6227. Information provided will remain confidential. Please include the following information:
- a brief statement of problem
- your name and contact information (email/phone)
- health plan’s name
- type of health plan (e.g., group health plan, self-funded health plan, etc.)
- state where insurance is issued
- whether the employer employs 50 or more employees
- If health insurance is provide by an employer
White House Task Force Parity Hearing
Listen to the testimony of APA members during the White House Task Force Parity hearing at the 2016 Annual Meeting.
- Listen to Part 1 (65:47)
- Listen to Part 2 (58:13)
In The News
Listen to a broadcast of The Kojo Nnamdi Show on mental health parity and insurance coverage in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. Parity Poster
Print it out and post it (in physicians’ offices, clinics, break rooms at workplaces) and share the link with others who live and work in Washington, D.C.
Additional Resources
- APA Advocacy on Parity and Health Reform
- Understanding the Law
- Common Parity Compliance Problems
- Parity Resource Guide
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s web resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.