WHAT ARE PARITY RIGHTS?

Former U.S. Representative (D-RI) Patrick J. Kennedy explains how the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, also known as the Federal Parity Law, requires insurers to cover illnesses of the brain, such as depression and addiction, no more restrictively than how they cover illnesses of the body, such as diabetes and cancer.

Individuals or family members of those who have been denied coverage for mental health and/or addiction treatment services can visit ParityRegistry.org to learn to file an appeal with a health plan; send a complaint directly to state enforcement officials; access step-by-step appeals guidance; find a comprehensive listing of state and federal regulators who can help with an appeal; review FAQs; and more. The data shared will help to shape public policy and influence future legislation around parity rights.