Access to mental health care is among the most important and underappreciated aspects of the health care system for chronically ill people. While federal law creates a requirement that health insurers provide coverage of mental health services on terms that are on par with medical and surgical services, these rules are severely under-enforced. Investigation and factual development of this complex area is needed.
Our Approach
We are working with other advocates and government agencies to improve enforcement of the federal and state laws facilitating access to mental health care. In addition to our amicus briefs, we are exploring the implication of coverage restrictions for mental health access in private health insurance. Imposing restrictions on mental health care above and beyond those imposed for medical and surgical care is a form of discrimination that can support appeal of a coverage denial.