This document provides an overview of essential information necessary for understanding mental health and substance use disorder parity and how to implement and comply with federal parity laws. This guide applies to parity laws in employer-sponsored health plans and group and individual insurance.

There are protections in federal law, collectively known as “parity,” which are designed to ensure that certain types of health plans cover mental and substance use disorders no less generously than they cover other health issues. This resource can guide you to helpful materials and places.

Esta hoja informativa se puede usar como una guía para las personas que buscan tratamiento de salud mental. Ofrece tres pasos necesarios para llevar a cabo antes de utilizar un centro de tratamiento, así como las cinco señales de un centro de tratamiento de calidad, que incluye revisar la acreditación, la medicación, las prácticas basadas en la evidencia, el papel de las familias y las redes de apoyo.

This fact sheet serves as a guide for individuals seeking behavioral health treatment. It provides three necessary steps to complete prior to utilizing a treatment center and the five signs of a quality treatment center, which include a review of the accreditation, medication, evidence-based practices, position on the role of families, and support networks.

This resource describes the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 for people with employer-sponsored health plans who need treatment for mental and/or substance use disorders. It discusses how to file a claim, the denial of a claim and the appeals process.

This resource guide assists health professionals with helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people understand health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act, particularly mental health and substance use benefits and services, and enroll in plans.

This fact sheet offers 10 outreach and enrollment strategies organizations can use to introduce Latino and Hispanic communities to the health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act.

This fact sheet offers 10 outreach and enrollment strategies organizations can use to introduce Native Americans and Alaska Native communities to the health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act.

This fact sheet offers 10 outreach and enrollment strategies organizations can use to introduce Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities to the health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act.

This fact sheet offers 10 outreach and enrollment strategies organizations can use to introduce African-American communities to the health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act.