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Published on: February 16, 2011
Mental health parity legislation
Arlene Smaldone1, Mary Cullen-Drill
1Columbia University School of Nursing, Mail Code 6, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. ams130@columbia.edu
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
|August 28, 2010
Summary
New laws aim to improve mental health parity, addressing inequities in outpatient visit limits and costs. Nurses play a key role in advocating for patients to benefit from these mental health care advancements.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Mental Health Services
- Health Equity
Background:
- Mental health disorders are increasingly recognized and treated within routine medical care.
- Significant inequities persist, including limitations on outpatient mental health visits and higher out-of-pocket costs (copayments, deductibles).
Observation:
- Two federal laws, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, were enacted in 2008 and effective January 1, 2010.
- These acts aim to establish parity in mental health and addiction services coverage.
Findings:
- The article examines the provisions of these acts and their potential impact on patient care.
- Analysis explores strengths and limitations of mental health parity legislation concerning healthcare access, cost, and quality.
Implications:
- Implementation of these laws may reduce disparities in mental health care access and affordability.
- Nurses are identified as crucial advocates for patients navigating mental health parity issues and ensuring equitable care.
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