Find Your Program
Or browse by
Browse our programs
What Is Mental Health Parity?
The term mental health parity, as defined by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is the equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in insurance plans. From laws and legislation to the benefits and services that must be covered, a lot goes into ensuring that parity is followed when it comes to healthcare treatment and costs. Below, we go over some of the specifics of mental health coverage and parity in the U.S. as outlined by NAMI.1
Parity necessitates equal coverage, not necessarily good coverage.
Comprehensive parity stipulates that coverage must be equal, which means the quality of coverage is dependent upon your current insurance. If you have a limited health insurance plan, then the mental health coverage you receive will be limited as well. This is the case even if you live in a state with particularly strong parity laws—your level of mental health coverage is ultimately dependent upon your health insurance plan.
NAMI has created guidelines for navigating parity’s finer points. Its infographic “What Is Mental Health Parity”2 provides the following information on boundaries, breaches, and appeals:
Health plans must follow either federal or state law—whichever is stronger.
There are minimum standards that have been established across the U.S. due to the passing of the federal parity law. Individual states may have their own laws in place, from comprehensive, limited, and broad-based parity to minimum mandated benefit. However, if you live in a state that doesn’t have a strong parity law, your health plan is required to follow the federal law instead.
Specific benefits and services must be covered equally, including:
- Group health plans for employers with more than 51 employees
- Most group health plans for employers with less than 50 employees
- The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
- Medicaid Managed Care
- State Children’s Health Insurance Programs
- Some state/local government employee health plans
- Health plans purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplaces
- Most individual and group health plans purchased outside the Health Insurance Marketplaces
There are signs to watch out for that can indicate your health plan may be breaching parity requirements.
For instance, if you are required to call and get permission to receive mental health care coverage but are not required to do the same for other types of healthcare. If you are unable to find in-network mental health providers who are taking new patients. If you notice there are higher costs or fewer visits for mental health services than for other services. These are all signs that your health plan may be violating parity requirements.
You can file an appeal for denial of services. In order to do so, the following steps should be taken:
- Talk with your mental health professional or provider.
- In the case of an emergency, ask your mental health professional to request an expedited appeal.
- Confirm with your insurance provider that your services will be covered for the duration of the appeal.
- Request a written explanation for the denial of service. Your provider may also make this request on your behalf.
- Do your research to ensure your appeal letter meets all the necessary requirements.
- Be sure to meet all deadlines in the review and appeal process.
Learn About the Topics That Matter Most in Healthcare When You Earn Your Master’s in Healthcare Administration at Walden University
The healthcare industry is experiencing one of the largest areas of economic growth in the U.S., creating a steady rise in positions in healthcare administration and management. And as the field continues to evolve, so should your competencies. When you earn a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree from Walden, you can gain the knowledge and experience to have a seat at the decision-making table and transform healthcare in your community. And with an advanced degree in healthcare administration, you position yourself for a variety of opportunities—including access to the industry’s top jobs.
At Walden, an accredited university, you can earn your degree online while you continue to work full time. That means you don’t have to put your career on hold while you further your skills. With online education, there’s no need to completely rearrange your schedule or commute to campus—you can take classes at whatever time of day works best for you as you work toward your MHA degree and prepare yourself to excel in the healthcare field.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a suite of healthcare administration degree programs online, including a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.
Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.