December 15 is Bill of Rights Day, a time to recognize and reflect on the freedoms and protections that people in this country have, for it is critical to know your rights to protect those rights.
Among the mental health community, an important right was established in 2008 with the passing of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). This law made it clear that insurers cannot discriminate against patients with a mental illness, including a substance use disorder.
However, the MHPAEA can be truly effective only if it is properly enforced, and to that end, APA created a poster to help educate patients about mental health parity and their rights under the MHPAEA.
Titled “Fair Insurance Coverage: It’s the Law,” this poster clearly and simply explains the 10 key elements of the law and the steps to take when a violation is suspected.