A landmark bill changed the face of insurance coverage for mental health in this state when The Massachusetts Mental Health Parity Law of 2000 went into effect. The law extends to “biologically-based” mental disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disease, the same level of coverage as physical disorders. “Biologically-based” disorders stem from an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Prior to this law, health plans could impose a limit on the dollar amount or number of days of treatment for many mental disorders. Yet, treatment for physical disorders, such as heart disease or diabetes, faced no such limits.
The Mental Health Parity Law applies to most health plans in the state, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, commercial insurers, state-licensed health maintenance organizations, and even non-group health plans. The law does not apply to Medicare, MassHealth, or self-insured employer group health plans.
For additional information, contact your insurance carrier or the Division of Insurance at
617-521-7794, or www.state.ma.us/doi.
