News in brief - Jan. 16, 2006
Mental health parity law renewed
Mental health parity law renewed
Congress once again extended an existing law protecting mental health benefits rather than approve a more comprehensive measure supported by many lawmakers.
The 1996 law, which would have expired at the end of last year, prohibits health insurers from placing annual or lifetime caps on mental health benefits that also don't apply to their medical and surgical benefits. Congress has renewed the prohibition each year since the law was first up for expiration in 2001.
Advocates for mental health patients and a majority of both houses support a stronger bill that would close loopholes in the law that allow health plans to continue setting different co-payments and deductibles for mental health services. But Republican leaders, as in some previous sessions, did not bring the legislation up for a vote this year.
Back to top
Copyright 2006 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
