To interview experts on mental health and addictions treatment parity, contact Meena Dayak at 202.684.7457 or MeenaD@thenationalcouncil.org

(Washington DC—January 29, 2010)—The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council) commends the Secretaries of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury for their quick collaborative work leading to the release of rules to implement the 2008 Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The regulations begin the final chapter on a course that the late Senator Paul Wellstone, former Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and his father the late Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) charted to ensure that Americans with mental illness have equal access to health care.

“Parity regulations are an important milestone on the road to ending the unnecessary suffering for millions of Americans with treatable mental illness and addictions. Now people in need won’t have to go without treatment because of discriminatory insurance policies,” said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council.

Nearly 80 percent of American children and more than 67 percent of American adults who need mental health and addictions treatment services do not receive them — at least half because of cost and lack of adequate insurance coverage. The Parity Act makes mental health and addictions treatment more affordable for 150 million people in employer-provided group insurance plans for 50 or more employees. Persons seeking mental health and substance use treatment under these plans will no longer be subject to higher co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses than for other medical/surgical conditions. They will also not be limited on the number of visits, days of coverage, or scope of treatment any more than for medical/surgical conditions.

“We remain committed to the effective implementation of parity,” said Chuck Ingoglia, Vice President, Public Policy at the National Council. “We advocated for regulations that would ensure effective access to the full range of treatment that persons with mental and addiction disorders require. We are pleased to see that the rules reflect our comments to the administration.”

The National Council, along with other addiction and mental health advocacy organizations, has advanced parity legislation for more than 12 years in an effort to end discrimination against individuals and families who seek services for mental health and substance use disorders. In comments to the Administration prior to the parity rules, the National Council pointed out the importance of coverage for the full scope of medically appropriate services required to treat mental and addiction disorders. Comments also emphasized the need to require networks to have sufficient enrolled, participating providers — including community behavioral health organizations — to assure timely and convenient access to mental health and addictions treatment services.

“We are hopeful that parity will enable more individuals suffering from mental and addiction disorders illness to receive care from mental health professionals and improve their chances of recovery,” said Chuck Ingoglia.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,600+ behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological, and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.