The Mental Health Parity Act requires that health plans treat reimbursement for mental health services the same as medical services. No special limits on care or reimbursement levels, no special pre-approval for care. This makes it easier for people to afford and access mental health care.
The Affordable Care Act expands health insurance coverage again creating more demand for more services.
But these two acts address only part of the problem. They expand access to care, but fail to fundamentally address the cost of care (we are not talking about premiums) and at least in the case of mental health care, the law does not address the supply of care available. Unless these issues are dealt with promptly the success of both laws is doubtful.
LEONARDTOWN, Md.—To the outside world, it came across as mood swings and anger. But Regina Cullison would later be told by psychiatrists she struggled with depression and anxiety—and that she needed help. And that is where her trouble began and ended.
According to her mother, there were few psychiatrists in the county who took private insurance. When Ms. Cullison lost her job as a dentist’s assistant, and with it her insurance, she switched to a nonprofit facility. Doctors came and went, and none stayed long enough to establish a regular pattern of treatment.
After two years, Ms. Cullison abandoned her search for professional help and tried marijuana. Her mother, Carolyn Cullison, who is the director of a mental-health peer support group, said that helped push away the demons. But in May, while living together, the pair argued. Ms. Cullison apologized, retreated to a bedroom and shot herself. She was 26.
Related articles
- Critical Shortages in Treatment for Mentally Ill (live.wsj.com)
- How the Affordable Care Act Changes Mental Health Coverage (namisouthbay.com)
- Rep. Tim Murphy Introduces Mental-Health Legislation (blogs.wsj.com)
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