The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) enacted in 2008 promotes equal access to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) by prohibiting coverage limitations that apply more restrictively to mental health/SUD benefits than to medical/surgical benefits—such as higher copayments, separate deductibles, and more stringent pre-authorization or medical necessity reviews. The 2022 MHPAEA report issued to Congress describes payors’ continuing compliance deficiencies and the agencies’ increasing enforcement efforts.
Patients who want help with mental health/SUD benefits issues/denials can call 1-866-444-3272 toll-free to speak with a benefits advisor.