The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA or “parity”) – particularly in the context of the Patient Protection and Affordable care Act (PPACA or “reform”) – raises every conceivable question and concern in our field. As might be expected, health plans are wrestling with interpretation and procedural questions, employers are asking for delays [...]

On November 4th Cindy Mann of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offered a rare glimpse into the guidance and direction plans and providers around the country are anticipating in January. Specifically, her letter was directed to “State Health Officials” responsible for Medicaid and CHIP. Her purpose was to provide some “general guidance” [...]

While in DC last week, I heard someone quip: “Mental health parity was and continues to be a civil rights concern.” Frankly, while I had always thought of it in terms of equity and fairness as well as a resolution of stigma and discrimination issues, I had not thought often of Parity in terms of [...]