Improving Parity Will Take a Group Effort
Even though parity is the law, it is often still difficult for individuals with behavioral health conditions to get the treatment and services they deserve. It is important for all Americans to understand their rights and how to take action if their behavioral health treatment is being unfairly restricted.
Americans seeking behavioral health treatment are only group capable of advocating for their rights under parity laws. There are many other parties that also have a role in improving parity throughout the country:
- Individuals using behavioral health services who that they received a care restriction or denial that may be in violation of the Federal Parity Law should file an appeal at www.parityregistry.org.
- Behavioral health providers can become more familiar with parity laws to help their patients and clients if parity violations occur. To learn more about your parity rights click here.
- Insurers can work to provide coverage that goes beyond the Federal Parity Law, which may save them money in the long run.
- Regulators can more closely monitor how insurance plans are following parity laws, and take action when they find that a plan is not in compliance.
- State legislators and members of Congress can write bills that provide more protections for Americans. To access our model state bill, click here.
- Advocates can help consumers and families understand that they don’t have to accept routine denials of care anymore because the law is on their side now.
There is difficult work ahead to make parity a reality. Together, we can make sure that individuals with behavioral health conditions are treated fairly.