For most plans, the new parity law passed by Congress in October 2008 will take effect January 1, 2010.  Plans maintained under collective bargaining agreements ratified before the enactment date are not subject to the Act until they terminate.

To learn more about coverage and benefits under the new parity legislation, as well as impact and opportunities in the states, see the National Council fact sheet on parity.

Parity Passes with Bailout Bill, National Council Commends Advocates

WASHINGTON DC, October 3— Along with today’s House vote for the critical bailout bill, comes another significant and long-awaited victory — the passage of mental health and addictions parity legislation.

The House voted 263-171 to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 that includes the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Following Senate passage of the bill on Sept 30, today’s House vote clears the bill for presentation to the President, who will sign it very quickly.

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council) commends Congress for the passage of legislation that calls for equitable insurance coverage for mental health and addiction disorders. The National Council described the legislation as a significant step towards ending discrimination against those with mental illnesses and addictions.

The parity legislation will benefit more than 113 million people across the United States, including the 82 million individuals enrolled in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) group health insurance plans who are not protected by state parity laws.

“The passage of parity is historic. It is major milestone on the long road to ensuring that mental illnesses and addictions are treated on par with other health conditions,” said Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council.

The National Council thanks Senators Domenici, Kennedy and Enzi, and Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad, who have been passionate champions of parity for many years and brought the bill to pass. We also commend members of the Ad Hoc Coalition on Mental Health Parity, the Coalition for Fairness in Mental Illness Coverage, Mental Health Liaison Group, and Parity Now Coalition, for their advocacy in support of the parity legislation.

The parity bill requires health insurers to offer mental health benefits equal in cost and scope to medical and surgical benefits. It will prevent insurers from requiring larger copayments or imposing lower reimbursement ceilings for mental health and addiction conditions.