Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CMS Rule Says States, Plans Must Adhere To Mental Health Parity In Medicaid
Modern Healthcare: States, Plans Get No Flexibility Under Final Mental Health Parity Rule
The CMS has finalized a rule that provides states and plans no flexibility in meeting requirements to provide Medicaid enrollees and children the same level of benefits for mental health or substance-abuse treatment that they provide for medical and surgical care. The final rule released Tuesday applies provisions of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 to managed-care plans contracting with Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It would ensure that beneficiaries have access to mental health and substance abuse benefits regardless of whether services are provided through the managed-care organization or another service delivery system. (Dickson, 3/29)
Bloomberg: CMS Releases Final Medicaid Mental Health Parity Rule
Millions of beneficiaries who receive services through Medicaid managed care organizations, Medicaid alternative benefit plans or CHIP must be provided access to the same mental health and substance use disorder benefits and protections of private plans under a final rule released March 29 by the CMS. Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in the U.S. and is increasingly playing a larger role in the reimbursement of substance use disorder services. (Weixel, 3/30)
And the president announces a new task force —
Kaiser Health News: President’s Task Force Aims To Help End Discrimination In Mental Health Coverage
Tucked in remarks the president made Tuesday on the opioid epidemic was his announcement of a new task force on mental health parity — aimed at ensuring that people with mental illnesses and substance abuse problems don’t face discrimination in the health care system. Despite a landmark 2008 law intended to do just that, enforcement has been paltry, and advocates say discrimination has continued. (Gold, 3/31)
