Publications

Discrepancies between health insurance benefits offered for mental illness and physical illness are no longer permissible under group health plans that cover more than 50 employees. On October 3, 2008, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (the "2008 Act") was signed into law as part of the nation’s broader financial rescue package. The 2008 Act mandates that coverage for mental disorders be equal to coverage for physical disorders under employer group health plans that provide coverage for both. The 2008 Act does not require that group health plans offer mental health and substance abuse treatment benefits. However, if a plan includes benefits for mental disorders and addictions, the scope of coverage under the plan must be "at parity" with coverage offered for physical conditions. The Act applies to most group health plans covering more than 50 employees and becomes effective for plan years beginning on and after October 3, 2009.