SAMHSA issues mental health parity resource; task force accepting comments

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a resource to help consumers understand their rights under the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act. The brochure reviews the law’s parity protections, how consumers can find out more about their health plan’s benefits and coverage, and their right to appeal a claim if denied. The Department of Health and Human Services also has launched a webpage for the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Task Force, established by the president in March to identify and promote best practices to better ensure compliance with parity requirements. Comments and recommendations for the task force may be submitted online.