Are mental illnesses and substance use disorders covered in the healthcare reform bills?
Inclusion of mental health/substance use disorders in the minimum benefits package: Requires mental health/substance use disorders services as part of the minimum benefit package (excempts large employers) Parity law: Requires individual, small group and large group plans to adhere to the Wellstone/Domenici Parity Act* Prohibition of discrimination against individuals with pre‐existing conditions: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions Prohibition of discrimination against individuals based on health status: Prohibits discrimination against individuals based on health status (including mental health/substance use disorders) Mental health & substance use disorders benefits for newly eligible medicaid enrollees: Expands Medicaid eligibility for everyone, including childless adults, up to 133% of poverty. Newly-eligible adults would be enrolled in a “benchmark” plan that would include addiction and mental health treatment services at parity Inclusion of
