HEALTH CARE REFORM

NAMI's Got You Covered

What is the new health care law?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into U.S. law on March 23, 2010. Together with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, the law is intended to increase access to health insurance coverage for Americans and is aimed at reducing the costs of health care.

What do these changes mean for adults, children and families affected by mental illness?

For starters, more uninsured Americans will have access to care and new health plans will be required to cover mental health treatment at parity with other types of medical care.

Mental Health Parity

What You Need to Know About Insurance Parity

Frequently Asked Questions About Parity from the Parity Implementation Coalition

This document addresses questions like medications for psychiatric and substance abuse conditions, Medicaid managed care plans and coverage for specific treatments or levels of care

NAMI Fact Sheet: Federal Parity for Mental Illness and Addictions

Learn more about the federal parity law that goes into effect in October 2009.

Parity Frequently Asked Questions

What is insurance parity and what does it mean for you?

Read the Parity Implementation Coalition's strategies for winning disputes with your health plan.

Resources from Mental Health Parity Watch

Check out the new posts at the Parity Perspectives Blog !

Final Parity Regulations are in the Final Phase

Consumers, providers, and advocates have been told for a year that final regulations will be released "soon." Is soon finally here?

Insured Marylanders Have Right to an Adequate and Accessible Network of Mental Health Providers

Maryland law entitles insured Marylanders to an appointment with a mental health provider without unreasonable delay or travel.

Healthcare Reform in Maryland

Now that the Affordable Care Act is law, Americans can expect the health care landscape to change. Beginning in 2014, most people will be required to have health insurance either through their employer, through a government-funded program such as Medicaid or Medicare, or through a plan they purchase in the new health insurance marketplace.

What do these changes mean for adults, children and families affected by mental illness? For starters, more uninsured Americans will have access to care and new health plans will be required to cover mental health treatment at parity with other types of medical care. Below are links of resources to healthcare reform here in Maryland.

Fact Sheet on Insurance Coverage under the Affordable Care Act

Maryland Health Progress Act of 2013

Maryland Health Connection

Maryland Health Connection - Income Eligibility for Adults