This page lists some of the action toward parity compliance undertaken by state regulatory agencies since 2008.

Are we missing any actions taken by state regulatory agencies? Let us know at info@paritytrack.org

Action in the Regulatory Arena

06/2011

The Iowa Insurance Division issued a regulation (pdf | Get Adobe® Reader®) for the section of the state insurance law about autism coverage for state employee plans (this section is summarized at the bottom of the page under “Iowa Parity Law”.) The regulation clarifies several things that are not addressed in the law. The regulation states that the following treatments are not covered:

  • Acupuncture
  • Animal-based therapy including hippotherapy
  • Auditory integration training
  • Chelation therapy
  • Child care
  • Cranial sacral therapy
  • Custodial or respite care
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Special diets or supplements

Plans do not have to cover any autism services performed by a child’s legal guardian, even if the guardian is a qualified autism service provider.

Plans must cover services in any setting that is “conducive to the acquisition of the target skill”, including in a school, as long as the school-based service is not something duplicated by the school.

Plans do not have to cover any services that take place in a residential treatment facility.

The regulation also specifies qualified providers, explains how and when the Division will adjust the annual maximum for inflation, and certain information that plans must disclose to their enrollees.

1998

Primary Focus Parity
Title/Description Iowa Administrative Bulletin
Citation ARC 7957A
Summary

Conforming with federal legislation, the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, coverage of emergency services, and the definition of emergency medical condition. A carrier or organized delivery system offering mental health benefits shall not set annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health benefits that are lower than limits for medical and surgical benefits. Health insurance coverage that does not impose an annual or lifetime dollar limit on medical and surgical benefits shall not impose a dollar limit on mental health benefits.
Effective Date 4/12/1998
Notes

Amended 191 IAC 35.30; Notice of Intended Action was published in ARC 7798A.

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View the state parity reports to learn about legislation, regulation, and litigation related to parity implementation

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Common Violations

In seeking care or services, be aware of the common ways parity rights can be violated.

Common Violations