The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 (MHPA) is a federal law that may prevent your group health plan from placing annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health benefits that are lower - less favorable - than annual or lifetime dollar limits for medical and surgical benefits offered under the plan
MHPA applies to most group health plans with more than 50 workers. MHPA does NOT apply to group health plans sponsored by employers with fewer than 51 workers. MHPA also does NOT apply to health insurance coverage in the individual market. The current extension runs through December 31, 2007.(DOL Site) Click here for status on renewal. Click here for California Law - AB 88.
Consumer Links
FAQ's on Mental Health Parity - Department of Labor Site
Q & A - on Mental Health - HIPAA Website Page 34
Technical Links
IRS Code § 9812. Parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits
Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) - MHPA is a federal law that requires that annual or lifetime dollar limits on mental health benefits provided by a group health plan be no lower than the annual or lifetime dollar limits for medical and surgical benefits offered by that plan. MHPA applies to employers with more than 50 employees. For up to date information on the applicability of the Mental Health Parity Act, contact the EBSA regional office nearest you.
