The new federal mental health parity law became fully effective on January 1 of this year. It states that coverage in most insurance plans (generally those with 51 or more workers) for mental health and substance use must be on a par with your medical and surgical coverage. 

Read more about the law and how it benefits you.

Filing a Complaint:  The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration has benefit advisors who are available to answer your questions about the parity law and provide assistance in obtaining your benefits.

You can send an inquiry using an online form linked here or call toll-free: 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also established a Help Line to answer questions or hear concerns about your health plan’s compliance with the law.  Call toll-free:1-877-267-2323; extension 6-5511.

You can also send an email to: phig@cms.hhs.gov

Tell Us Your Story: We would also like to hear about your experience with the new law.  Use the form below to tell us how your health plan coverage has changed. Whether you can report a success or problem—we want to hear from you. Also, let us know if you would like to share your story or if you prefer it be kept confidential.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Did your plan drop coverage that it previously offered for mental health and substance use treatment?
• Did your health plan improve coverage for mental health and substance use treatment?
• Did your plan previously provide parity for mental health and substance use treatment?
• What specific problems are you experiencing in getting coverage for mental health and substance use treatment?
• Is your plan complying with certain parts of the law and not with others?