What is the focus of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)?

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) is primarily focused on ensuring that mental health and substance use disorder treatment benefits are governed by the same standards and limitations as those applied to other medical and surgical benefits. This means that if a health insurance plan places treatment limitations on mental health services—such as the number of visits to a therapist or the copayment for care—these limitations must be comparable to those placed on medical care. The essence of the law is to promote equality in insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that these are treated with the same level of importance as physical health.

By emphasizing the alignment of treatment limitations with those of other medical care, the MHPAEA aims to eliminate discrimination against individuals seeking mental health and addiction services. This approach helps to foster a more inclusive health care environment and recognizes the importance of mental wellness in overall health.