April, 2010
In This Issue: New Resources and Tools; Take Action on Parity Reg’s
Take Action to Support Strong Parity Requirements
The
federal agencies in charge of implementing the new
parity law issued regulations in February describing
in detail what health insurance plans must do to
comply with the law. They also requested comments
on these regulations before they are finalized. MHA
has developed a set of comments we are asking as
many people as possible to submit in support of the
strong consumer protections in these regulations.
The agencies count how many comments they get in
support of or opposed to particular elements of the
new regulations and the amount of comments they receive
significantly influences how they will proceed. Here’s a link (MSWord) to the comments and here are directions for submitting them:
Directions
for submitting comments:
Information
on Parity: Our website has updated information on the federal mental health parity law, including a fact sheet on the interim
rule issued by federal agencies and a webinar.
We would also like to hear about your experience
with the new law. Go to our parity page to tell us how your plan has changed. If you suspect your plan is not in compliance,
the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration has benefit advisors who are available
to answer your questions about the parity law and
provide assistance in obtaining your benefits.
You can send an inquiry using an online form linked here or call toll-free: 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
Mental Health and Health Reform Law
If you want to know more about what’s in the new health reform law,
take a look at the summary we’ve assembled. It details the provisions
of interest for mental health advocates.
New Tools and Resources on the Advocacy
Network Page
Want to know how to communicate effectively with your legislators? Go to the
Advocacy Network section of our website. You’ll find updated information
on how to be an effective advocate and our legislative and advocacy priorities.
Read Our New Blog: Chiming In
Our new blog, Chiming In, has the latest news and information on what’s
happening at Mental Health America and in the mental health field. If there’s
something you want to comment on, use the reply section and Chime In.
May 6 is National Children’s
Mental Health Awareness Day
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is May 6. Communities across
the country will observe the day with events, youth demonstrations, and social
networking campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of mental health
and increase understanding of the mental health needs of children and their
families. Our website has more information on children and mental health. The
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has additional resources.
About the Advocacy Network
Mental Health America’s Advocacy Network is a powerful voice for change that is made up of thousands of individuals nationwide who take an active role in protecting America’s mental health through legislative advocacy. Together, we speak out and make our voice heard on equal access to care, federal funding, treatment and prevention.
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