Mental Health Insurance Coverage

Ronald Honberg talked about changes in insurance coverage for mental illness. The Department of Health and Human Services issued a new rule the previous week that said health insurers must treat mental health issues in the same manner as physical illness. The rule would take effect in July 2014 and was intended to end discrimination in treating illnesses. The rule also applies to alcohol- and drug-abuse treatments, but mental health advocates were disappointed that it did not say insurers must cover treatments to those using Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The rule finalized regulations for the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, passed in 2008. Mr. Honberg responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. close