The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) is a federal law that provides participants who already have benefits under mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) coverage parity with benefits limitations under their medical/surgical coverage. The law has now been implemented (2010) and insurance companies have adjusted to its implications. For more information, click on this reference: US Gov Info on MH Parity.

If you are unsure of your coverage and what additional costs you must pay under the new law, contact your insurance company. To the right are some insurance company numbers. Otherwise, check the back of your insurance card.