
Final Ruling Can Benefit Psychiatrists and Their Patients
The mental health community was given some much needed relief when the Obama Administration implemented the final rule be put in place from the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The new mandate will ensure that most health plans cover mental health and addiction services in the same way they treat other medical issues.
In November 2013, the mental health community was given some much needed relief when the Obama Administration implemented the
This ruling was long overdue and hopefully will benefit not only those with mental illnesses, but also clinicians who treat mental disorders. After a 5-year delay, mental health parity is clearly defined for insurance providers. In other words, this allows psychiatrists and other health care professionals to give much needed help to those who did not have previous access to mental health treatment.
According to statistics from the
Stigma added to the cost of treatment is a dangerous combination that leaves many to forego care. According to 2006 data, the
Let’s not leave out those who also struggle with substance abuse problems. The
Treatment programs are not cheap, and in our current economic times, many families are faced with some tough decisions.
Under the new rule, those seeking help for drug abuse problems will also be able to access treatment programs they previously could not afford. My hope is that with the new parity measure, it will help fill a void for more facilities to open in areas that need accessible and affordable treatment centers-not only for specifically substance abuse, but also for all mental illnesses.
Although some may differ with my stance, I believe that under both the expanded parity rules as well as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), psychiatrists and other mental health professionals will be more open to operating mental health centers.
Currently, the number of psychiatrists is declining in the US. According to a recent
The new parity rule eliminates much of the bureaucracy and red tape that the 2008 legislation was supposed to dissolve. By eliminating the loopholes in which many insurance providers hid, the new parity regulations shine a light on the treatment of psychiatric disorders in the US.
I applaud the Obama Administration for taking a big step in the right direction to get all Americans the care they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
Disclosures:
Mr Monroe is CEO of
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