Federal task force announces recommendations, actions to improve behavioral health parity

A federal interagency task force yesterday issued a final report on actions and recommendations to better ensure compliance with health insurance coverage and parity protections for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Among other actions, the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury yesterday issued parity guidance, including information related to opioid treatment, and an index to their prior parity guidance. In addition, HHS released a beta version web portal to help consumers with parity issues; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration issued a consumer guide on coverage disclosure rights; and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced $9.3 million in grants to help states monitor parity compliance. President Obama created the task force in March. For more information, visit www.hhs.gov.