Published on 05/18/2006

Facts on Healthcare Coverage and Mental Health

Insurance Coverage -

Insurance Healthcare Coverage

Millions of Americans are currently denied needed mental health services because of discriminatory practices by private health insurance companies. To reduce this discrimination and promote an end to the stigma that is all-too-often attached to mental illness, the Bazelon Center supports full parity between mental health and medical/surgical care in private insurance coverage.
Facts on Healthcare Coverage and Mental Health

America's healthcare crisis is particularly hard on people with mental illnesses. Below are resources on the scope of the problem. Some files are in PDF format; You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view and print them.

Insurance and the Americans with Disabilities Act

* The ADA’s Application to Insurance Coverage
* Assessing the Actuarial Basis for Health-Related Underwriting in Medical and Disability Insurance

Mental Health Parity

America's healthcare crisis is made even worseby limits on private insurance coverage of mental health services.

Mental Health Parity Fact Sheets from the Mental Health Liaison Group

* The Need for Parity (PDF File)
* Public Opinion (PDF File)
* Additional Resources from the Mental Health Liaison Group

Insurance and Children

Gaps in healthcare coverage create particular difficulties for children with mental health needs.

* Fast Facts on Insurance Coverage and Access to Services for Children with Serious Mental Health Needs (Printer-Friendly PDF)
* Fast Facts on Insurance Coverage and Access to Services for Children with Serious Mental Health Needs (Browser- Friendly HTML)

Insurance and Women & Families

Gaps in healthcare coverage create special difficulties for women with mental health needs and their families.

* Fast Facts on Mental Health, Insurance and Women (Printer-Friendly PDF)
* Fast Facts on Mental Health, Insurance and Women (Browser-Friendly HTML)