Overdue Action on Parity

The Eating Disorders Coalition thanks the bipartisan group of 22 senators, lead by Kelly Ayotte and Senator Chris Murphy, who asked U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Labor to take "overdue" action to fully implement and enforce the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).

The senators note that although the law took effect seven years ago, "...parity is still not a reality for individuals living with mental illness and addiction, and that health plans routinely refuse to disclose medical management information making it impossible for consumers and providers to determine if the plans are treating behavioral and physical health equally."  The senators want HHS and DOL to conduct an audit and issue additional parity guidance. 

The full letter can be read here: http://1.usa.gov/1ZGySop