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US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 40 million Americans living today will suffer from major depressive illness during their lives. Seasonal affective disorder is major depression that appears in the fall or winter and goes away in spring, thought to be caused by lack of sunlight.
Postpartum depression occurs within four weeks of a women giving childbirth. Most new mothers suffer from some form of the �baby blues.� Postpartum depression, by contrast, is major depression, thought to be triggered by changes in hormonal flows associated with childbirth. Catatonic depression is a rare form of major depression characterized by (at least two): Stupor, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism, peculiarities in voluntary movement, and repetition of other people's words or actions. - mcmanweb.com
Psychotic depression is a rare form of depression characterized by delusions or hallucinations, such as believing you are someone you are not and hearing voices.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the US population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder. Depression is a chronic illness that exacts a significant toll on
America's health and productivity. It affects more than 21 million
American children and adults annually and is the leading cause of
disability in the United States for individuals ages 15 to 44.
Lost productive time among U.S. workers due to depression is estimated
to be in excess of $31 billion per year. Depression frequently
co-occurs with a variety of medical illnesses such as heart disease,
cancer, and chronic pain and is associated with poorer health status
and prognosis. It is also the principal cause of the 30,000 suicides
in the U.S. each year. In 2004, suicide was the 11 th leading cause of death in the United States, third among individuals 15-24.
According to the World Health Organization, depression is presently on track to becoming the world's second-most disabling disease (after heart disease) by the year 2020. Depression is responsible for some $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the US (a conservative estimate), and according to Bank One, is responsible for most lost work days in its employees after pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of a mood disorder. Finally, the linkage between depression and a host of physical illnesses makes it arguably the world's greatest killer.
Research presented at the 56th Annual Conference of the Canadian
Psychiatric Association shows a marked link between bipolar disorder
and migraines. The odds of migraine in persons with bipolar disorder were 40% higher than the general population. Data
obtained from 36,984 people aged 15 and over, who screened positive for
manic or depressive episodes with migraine, were compared against those
who screened positive for mania but who didn�t suffer from migraines. Amongst
males, 14.9% of those with manic episodes were also diagnosed with
migraines compared with 5.8% of the general population. Amongst
females, 34.7% had both migraines and bipolar disorder compared with
14.7% who only had migraines.unquote.gif While the research was
skewed towards persons who were already diagnosed with bipolar
disorders, what does it mean for people who suffer from migraines but
who may have an undiagnosed bipolar disorder?
Migraines and headaches aren�t fully understood but the manifestations are very real and debilitating for their sufferers: Throbbing pain Nausea Heightened sensitivity to light or sound Seeing dots, wavy lines, flashing lights, or blind spots Difficulty with speech, sensation, or movement
An estimated 2.1 million
American adolescents have experienced major depression within the last
year, according to a new comprehensive government study. Researchers
surveyed more than 67,000 young people ages 12 to 17 and found that one
in 12 had suffered from serious depression in the previous year.Nearly
13 percent of girls had struggled with depression, compared to less
than 5 percent of boys. Odds of depression increased with age -- just 4
percent of 12-year-olds experienced depression but that climbed to 11
percent for older teens.
Our DF Members
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Mental health parity laws by state
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Mental health parity laws by state
By Insure.com
The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 mandates that employers that employ more than 50 workers and offer group health insurance must also offer coverage for mental illness equal to the lifetime and annual caps set for physical ailments. The law is a first step in eliminating discrimination against the mentally ill. But the law, which took effect Jan. 1, 1998, isn't the final answer to the problem of unequal coverage, mostly because of its many loopholes.
The federal law doesn't force group health plans to offer mental health coverage if they don't already do so.
Insurers may still charge higher co-payments and deductibles and have lower treatment limits for mental health benefits. The federal law covers only lifetime and annual limits. The number of inpatient days and outpatient treatments don't have to equal coverage for physical medical needs. In addition, federal legislation does not cover substance abuse or chemical dependency. Plus, there is an exemption available if an employer believes that providing mental health parity will push its insurance costs up more than 1 percent.
Without parity, the difference between coverage for physical and mental illness is striking. While the typical lifetime cap for mental health treatment is about 0,000 and the annual limit runs about ,000, insurers routinely provide a Mental health parity laws by state
By Insure.com
The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 mandates that employers that employ more than 50 workers and offer group health insurance must also offer coverage for mental illness equal to the lifetime and annual caps set for physical ailments. The law is a first step in eliminating discrimination against the mentally ill. But the law, which took effect Jan. 1, 1998, isn't the final answer to the problem of unequal coverage, mostly because of its many loopholes.
The federal law doesn't force group health plans to offer mental health coverage if they don't already do so.
Insurers may still charge higher co-payments and deductibles and have lower treatment limits for mental health benefits. The federal law covers only lifetime and annual limits. The number of inpatient days and outpatient treatments don't have to equal coverage for physical medical needs. In addition, federal legislation does not cover substance abuse or chemical dependency. Plus, there is an exemption available if an employer believes that providing mental health parity will push its insurance costs up more than 1 percent.
Without parity, the difference between coverage for physical and mental illness is striking. While the typical lifetime cap for mental health treatment is about $500,000 and the annual limit runs about $5,000, insurers routinely provide a $1 million lifetime cap for physical illnesses with no annual limit.
The Mental Health Parity Act applies to self-insured health plans exempt from state laws under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as well as fully insured state-regulated group health plans. However, it applies only to those policies that offer mental health benefits in the first place. The law doesn't force group health plans to offer mental health coverage if they don't already do so.
Many states have enacted legislation that goes above and beyond the federal Mental Health Parity Act (see below).
State-By-State Description of Mental Health Parity Laws
State Year Enacted Provisions of Law Effective Date
Alabama 2000
Requires group health plans to offer benefits for the treatment and diagnosis of mental illnesses under terms and conditions that are no less extensive than the benefits provided for medical treatment for other physical illnesses. The law defines mental illness as including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and any condition or disorder involving mental illness, excluding alcohol and substance abuse, that falls under mental disorders listed in the International Classification of Diseases. The law does not apply to group health plans covering employers with 50 or fewer employees.
Jan. 1, 2001
Arkansas 1997
Provides for equal coverage of mental illness and developmental disorders; exempts state employees, companies with less than 50 employees, and companies that anticipate a cost increase of more than 1.5 percent.
Aug. 1, 1997
California 1999
Provides for persons of any age equal coverage for severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, schizoaffective disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Covers children with one or more mental disorders other than a primary substance abuse disorder or a developmental disorder. No small business exemption.
July 1, 2000
Colorado 1997
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder that is no less extensive than the coverage provided for physical illnesses.
Jan. 1, 1998
Connecticut 1997
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder and autism that is equal to coverage provided for medical or surgical conditions.
Oct. 1, 1997
Connecticut 1999
Provides that policies shall not establish any terms, conditions or benefits that place a greater financial burden on an insured for access to diagnosis or treatment of mental conditions than are placed on treatment of other physical conditions. The statute defines mental conditions as the mental disorders included in the most recent edition of the DSM-IV, including addictive disorders.
Jan. 1, 2000
Delaware 1998
Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biologically based mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, delusional disorders, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia and bulimia, under the same terms and conditions of coverage offered for physical illnesses.
Jan. 1, 1999
Georgia 1998
Requires larger employers (51 or more employees) that choose to provide mental health benefits to provide equal lifetime and annual caps for mental health benefits as is provided for other physical illnesses, and provide the same dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance. Employers cannot impose separate outpatient and visit limits on the treatment of mental illnesses. Requires smaller employers (two to 50 employees) that choose to provide mental health benefits to provide equal lifetime and annual caps for mental health benefits as is offered for other physical illnesses, and provide the same dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance. "Mental illnesses" cover all brain disorders listed in the DSM-IV, including addictive disorders.
April 6, 1998
Hawaii 1999
Expands coverage for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar mood disorder. Excludes coverage for substance abuse and other disorders, including major depression. Establishes a task force to study the impact of adding these illnesses at a later date. Exempts small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.
July 1, 1999
Indiana 1997
Requires the same treatment limitations or financial requirements on the coverage of services for mental illnesses for state employees only. The law also includes a provision that mirrors the federal mental health parity act of 1996.
July 1, 1997
Indiana 1999
Amends the 1997 Indiana parity law (above) to cover "services for mental illness," as defined by a contract, policy, or plan for health services. Does not mandate coverage or cover substance abuse treatment. Exempts small businesses with 50 or fewer employees and provides for a 4 percent cost-increase exemption.
Jan. 1, 2000
Kentucky 2000
Provides that treatment of a "mental health condition" must be under the same terms and conditions as provided for treatment of physical health conditions. The law defines "treatment of a mental health condition" as including, but not limited to, any necessary outpatient, inpatient, residential partial hospitalization, day treatment, emergency detoxification or crisis stabilization services. The law defines "mental health condition" as any condition or disorder that is included in the DSM-IV or that is listed in the mental disorders section of the International Classification of Disease. The law includes alcohol and other drug abuse. The law exempts group plans covering fewer than 50 employees.
July 15, 2000
Louisiana 1999
Mandates equitable coverage for severe mental illness including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, pervasive developmental disorder (autism), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, anorexia/bulimia, Aspergers Disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis (not otherwise specified) when diagnosed in a child under 17 years of age, Retts disorder and Tourettes disorder. Policies must offer optional coverage for other mental disorders not covered in the list (at the expense of the policyholder). Minimum benefits are to include 45 inpatient days per year (an exchange of two partial hospitalization days or two residential treatment days per one in-hospital day may be provided) and 52 outpatient visits, including intensive outpatient programs. No small-business exemption.
January 1, 2000
Maine 1995
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, pervasive development disorder, or autism, paranoia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder in group contracts that is no less extensive than medical treatment for physical illnesses; no substance abuse coverage is mandated; excludes groups of 20 or fewer employees.
July 1, 1996
Maryland 1994
Prohibits insurers and HMOs from discriminating against any person with mental illness, emotional disorder, drug abuse or alcohol abuse by failing to provide treatment or diagnosis equal to physical illnesses.
Aug. 1, 1994
Massachusetts (state employees only) 1993 (Admin. Order)
Requires parity coverage for outpatient, intermediate and inpatient mental health and substance abuse care that the state employee plan determines to be medically necessary. The order defines mental illnesses as the categories listed in the current version of the DSM-IV, excluding certain disorders.
1993
Massachusetts 2000
Requires non-discriminatory coverage; health plans are prohibited from including any annual or lifetime dollar or unit of service limitation on coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders which is less than any annual or lifetime dollar or unit of service limitation imposed on coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of other physical illnesses. Coverage includes non-discriminatory coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of biologically based mental disorders (defined as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, delirium and dementia, affective disorders, and any biologically based mental disorders appearing in the DSM that are scientifically recognized and approved by the Department of Mental Health), rape-related mental and emotional disorders, and coverage for children under the age of 19 for the diagnosis and treatment of non-biologically based mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders. The law requires parity for co-occurring mental illnesses and addictive disorders; however, it does not require parity for a diagnosis of an addictive disorder alone.
Jan. 1, 2001
Minnesota 1995 Requires cost of inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical-dependency services to not be greater or more restrictive than those for outpatient and inpatient medical services. Aug. 1, 1995
Missouri 1997 Covers all disorders in DSM-IV in managed care plans only, equal to that provided for physical illnesses (roughly 40 percent of population); part of a larger Missouri managed-care regulatory measure. Sept. 1, 1997
Missouri 1999
Specifies that coverage for mental illness benefits shall not place greater financial burdens on the insured than for physical illnesses. The law specifies that substance abuse is covered only if the covered person also has a diagnosis of a mental illness. The substance abuse coverage can be limited to one detox session, which is not to exceed four days. Benefits to individuals with co-occurring disorders are limited to 45 inpatient days. However, the insurer may still apply different deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance terms. Businesses can apply for an exemption if compliance with this law results in a 2 percent premium-cost increase. Provides for impact study. The law expires on Jan. 1, 2005.
Jan. 1, 2000
Montana 1999
Provides equitable health insurance and disability insurance for severe mental illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism) that is no less favorable than that provided for other physical illnesses.
Jan. 1, 2000
Nebraska 1999 The law applies to "any mental health condition that current medical science affirms is caused by a biological disorder of the brain and that substantially limits the life activities of the person with the serious mental illness." Exempts plans with fewer than 15 employees. Not a mandate. Jan. 1, 2000
Nevada 1999
Mandates coverage for those with severe mental illness including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorders, major depression, panic, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Annual and lifetime limits, and out-of-pocket limits are the same as for other medical/surgical benefits. Minimum 30 in-hospital days and 27 outpatient visits per year. Alternative to hospitalization available on a two-for-one exchange of the in-hospital benefits (up to 40 days), to include crisis respite, partial hospitalization, and other residential treatment. Outpatient visits for medication management not counted toward mental health benefits but come out of standard medical coverage. Also: Co-pays and deductibles are a maximum of $18 for outpatient visits and $180 per inpatient admission. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees are exempt from this mandate.
Jan. 1, 2000
New Hampshire 1994
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoia, and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder or autism no less extensive than coverage for physical illnesses; applies only to groups and HMOs, regardless of size.
Jan. 1, 1995
New Jersey 1999
Requires that every individual and group hospital service corporation contract that provides hospital or medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed, or renewed shall provide coverage for biologically based mental illness under the same terms and conditions as provided for any other sickness.
Aug. 13, 1999
New Mexico 2000
Provides that group plans must not impose treatment limitations or financial requirements on the provision of mental health benefits if identical limitations or requirements are not imposed on coverage of benefits for other conditions. The scope of the law includes those mental health benefits described in the group health plan, or group health insurance offered in connection with the plan. The law does not apply to benefits for the treatment of substance abuse, chemical dependency, or gambling addictions. The law includes a cost exemption that allows employers that qualify to opt out.
Oct. 1, 2000
North Carolina (state employees only) 1991
Requires non-discriminatory coverage in state government employee health contracts. The law defines "mental illness" when applied to an adult — an illness which so lessens the capacity of the individual to use self-control, judgment, and discretion in the conduct of his affairs and social relations as to make it necessary or advisable for him to be under treatment, care, supervision, guidance or control; and when applied to a minor — a mental condition, other than mental retardation alone, that so impairs the youths capacity to exercise age-adequate self-control or judgment in the conduct of his/her activities and social relationships that the youth requires treatment. The law provides that the state-employee plan must have the same deductibles, durational limits, and coinsurance that apply to other physical illness benefits.
Jan. 1, 1992
North Carolina (state employees only) 1997
Requires non-discriminatory coverage in state government employee health contracts. The law is nearly identical to the 1991 parity law (above), except that it broadens the law to require non-discriminatory coverage for "chemical dependency." The law defines "chemical dependency" as the pathological use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs in a manner or to a degree that produces an impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning and which may, but need not, include a pattern of tolerance and withdrawal, with a diagnosis found in the DSM-IV or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Oct. 1, 1997
Oklahoma 1999
Provides equitable coverage for those with "severe mental illness," including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Exempts "small employers" with 50 or fewer employees; also provides for a 2 percent premium-increase exemption.
Jan. 1, 2000
Pennsylvania 1998
Requires that benefits be provided for serious mental illnesses and that there be no difference in either the annual or lifetime dollar limits in coverage for serious mental illnesses and any other illnesses. The law also provides that cost-sharing arrangements, including but not limited to deductibles and co-payments for coverage of serious mental illnesses, shall not prohibit access to care. The law sets minimum coverage for serious mental illnesses at 30 inpatient days and 60 outpatient days annually. The law exempts employers with 50 or fewer employees.
April 21, 1999
Rhode Island 1994
Provides for coverage of "serious mental illness" that current medical science affirms is caused by a biological disorder of the brain and substantially limits life activities. The law requires that benefits for serious mental illnesses include the same durational limits, amount limits, deductibles, and coinsurance as for other illnesses and diseases.
Jan. 1, 1995
South Carolina (state employees only) 2000
Requires the state health insurance plan to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of a mental health condition and/or substance abuse disorder and provides that the plan must not establish any term or condition that places a greater financial burden on an insured for access to treatment for a mental health or substance abuse condition than is required for access to treatment for other physical illnesses. The law provides that any deductible or out-of-pocket limits required under the state health insurance plan must be comprehensive for coverage of mental illnesses, alcohol or substance abuse and other physical health conditions. The law requires parity for biologically based mental illnesses. The law includes a cost exemption which allows the state plan to opt out of the requirements if it can show that the total health insurance costs of the state plan increase by more than 1 percent at the end of the three-year period beginning 1/1/2002 and ending 12/31/2004; or by more than 3.39 percent at any time beginning 1/1/2002 and ending 12/31/2004.
Jan. 1, 2001 (includes a sunset provision of Jan. 1, 2005)
South Dakota 1998
Provides coverage for the treatment and diagnosis of biologically based mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders, with the same dollar limits, deductibles, coinsurance factors and restrictions as for other covered illnesses.
July 1, 1998
Tennessee 1998
Provides mandated mental health coverage but does not cover alcohol or substance abuse treatment; annual and lifetime limits and out-of-pocket expense limits must be equal to other medical and surgical benefits; covers at least 20 inpatient hospitalization days and 25 outpatient visits per year; alternatives to hospitalization must be provided at two-for-one of the inpatient hospitalization days (up to 40 days), including crisis respite services for the consumer, residential treatment and partial hospitalization; outpatient visits for medication management do not count toward mental health benefits but are provided equal to a medical visit; does not require parity for co-pays and deductibles; a business can file for an exemption after 12 months if its costs increase by more than 1 percent; businesses with 25 or fewer employees are exempt.
Jan. 1, 2000
Texas (public employees only) 1991
Covers all public state and local employees, and all teachers and university system employees; plan covers schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Sept. 1, 1991
Texas 1997
Covers schizophrenia, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression in childhood and adolescence; exempts businesses with fewer than 50 employees; grants 60 outpatient visits and 45 inpatient days annually.
Jan. 1, 1998
Vermont 1997
The law provides that health plans shall not establish any lifetime or annual payment limits, deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance and any other cost-sharing requirements, out-of-pocket limits, visit limits and any other financial component of coverage that places a greater financial burden on an insured than for other physical health conditions. The law requires a single limit for mental health and physical health deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. The law requires parity coverage for mental illnesses and addictive disorders.
Jan. 1, 1998
Virginia 1999
Provides equitable coverage for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and drug and alcoholism addiction. Employers with 25 or fewer employees are exempt.
Jan. 1, 2000
Source: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Last updated June 8, 2004 million lifetime cap for physical illnesses with no annual limit.
The Mental Health Parity Act applies to self-insured health plans exempt from state laws under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as well as fully insured state-regulated group health plans. However, it applies only to those policies that offer mental health benefits in the first place. The law doesn't force group health plans to offer mental health coverage if they don't already do so.
Many states have enacted legislation that goes above and beyond the federal Mental Health Parity Act (see below).
State-By-State Description of Mental Health Parity Laws
State Year Enacted Provisions of Law Effective Date
Alabama 2000
Requires group health plans to offer benefits for the treatment and diagnosis of mental illnesses under terms and conditions that are no less extensive than the benefits provided for medical treatment for other physical illnesses. The law defines mental illness as including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and any condition or disorder involving mental illness, excluding alcohol and substance abuse, that falls under mental disorders listed in the International Classification of Diseases. The law does not apply to group health plans covering employers with 50 or fewer employees.
Jan. 1, 2001
Arkansas 1997
Provides for equal coverage of mental illness and developmental disorders; exempts state employees, companies with less than 50 employees, and companies that anticipate a cost increase of more than 1.5 percent.
Aug. 1, 1997
California 1999
Provides for persons of any age equal coverage for severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, schizoaffective disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Covers children with one or more mental disorders other than a primary substance abuse disorder or a developmental disorder. No small business exemption.
July 1, 2000
Colorado 1997
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder that is no less extensive than the coverage provided for physical illnesses.
Jan. 1, 1998
Connecticut 1997
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder and autism that is equal to coverage provided for medical or surgical conditions.
Oct. 1, 1997
Connecticut 1999
Provides that policies shall not establish any terms, conditions or benefits that place a greater financial burden on an insured for access to diagnosis or treatment of mental conditions than are placed on treatment of other physical conditions. The statute defines mental conditions as the mental disorders included in the most recent edition of the DSM-IV, including addictive disorders.
Jan. 1, 2000
Delaware 1998
Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biologically based mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, delusional disorders, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anorexia and bulimia, under the same terms and conditions of coverage offered for physical illnesses.
Jan. 1, 1999
Georgia 1998
Requires larger employers (51 or more employees) that choose to provide mental health benefits to provide equal lifetime and annual caps for mental health benefits as is provided for other physical illnesses, and provide the same dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance. Employers cannot impose separate outpatient and visit limits on the treatment of mental illnesses. Requires smaller employers (two to 50 employees) that choose to provide mental health benefits to provide equal lifetime and annual caps for mental health benefits as is offered for other physical illnesses, and provide the same dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance. "Mental illnesses" cover all brain disorders listed in the DSM-IV, including addictive disorders.
April 6, 1998
Hawaii 1999
Expands coverage for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar mood disorder. Excludes coverage for substance abuse and other disorders, including major depression. Establishes a task force to study the impact of adding these illnesses at a later date. Exempts small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.
July 1, 1999
Indiana 1997
Requires the same treatment limitations or financial requirements on the coverage of services for mental illnesses for state employees only. The law also includes a provision that mirrors the federal mental health parity act of 1996.
July 1, 1997
Indiana 1999
Amends the 1997 Indiana parity law (above) to cover "services for mental illness," as defined by a contract, policy, or plan for health services. Does not mandate coverage or cover substance abuse treatment. Exempts small businesses with 50 or fewer employees and provides for a 4 percent cost-increase exemption.
Jan. 1, 2000
Kentucky 2000
Provides that treatment of a "mental health condition" must be under the same terms and conditions as provided for treatment of physical health conditions. The law defines "treatment of a mental health condition" as including, but not limited to, any necessary outpatient, inpatient, residential partial hospitalization, day treatment, emergency detoxification or crisis stabilization services. The law defines "mental health condition" as any condition or disorder that is included in the DSM-IV or that is listed in the mental disorders section of the International Classification of Disease. The law includes alcohol and other drug abuse. The law exempts group plans covering fewer than 50 employees.
July 15, 2000
Louisiana 1999
Mandates equitable coverage for severe mental illness including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, pervasive developmental disorder (autism), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, anorexia/bulimia, Aspergers Disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis (not otherwise specified) when diagnosed in a child under 17 years of age, Retts disorder and Tourettes disorder. Policies must offer optional coverage for other mental disorders not covered in the list (at the expense of the policyholder). Minimum benefits are to include 45 inpatient days per year (an exchange of two partial hospitalization days or two residential treatment days per one in-hospital day may be provided) and 52 outpatient visits, including intensive outpatient programs. No small-business exemption.
January 1, 2000
Maine 1995
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, pervasive development disorder, or autism, paranoia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder in group contracts that is no less extensive than medical treatment for physical illnesses; no substance abuse coverage is mandated; excludes groups of 20 or fewer employees.
July 1, 1996
Maryland 1994
Prohibits insurers and HMOs from discriminating against any person with mental illness, emotional disorder, drug abuse or alcohol abuse by failing to provide treatment or diagnosis equal to physical illnesses.
Aug. 1, 1994
Massachusetts (state employees only) 1993 (Admin. Order)
Requires parity coverage for outpatient, intermediate and inpatient mental health and substance abuse care that the state employee plan determines to be medically necessary. The order defines mental illnesses as the categories listed in the current version of the DSM-IV, excluding certain disorders.
1993
Massachusetts 2000
Requires non-discriminatory coverage; health plans are prohibited from including any annual or lifetime dollar or unit of service limitation on coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders which is less than any annual or lifetime dollar or unit of service limitation imposed on coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of other physical illnesses. Coverage includes non-discriminatory coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of biologically based mental disorders (defined as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, delirium and dementia, affective disorders, and any biologically based mental disorders appearing in the DSM that are scientifically recognized and approved by the Department of Mental Health), rape-related mental and emotional disorders, and coverage for children under the age of 19 for the diagnosis and treatment of non-biologically based mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders. The law requires parity for co-occurring mental illnesses and addictive disorders; however, it does not require parity for a diagnosis of an addictive disorder alone.
Jan. 1, 2001
Minnesota 1995 Requires cost of inpatient and outpatient mental health and chemical-dependency services to not be greater or more restrictive than those for outpatient and inpatient medical services. Aug. 1, 1995
Missouri 1997 Covers all disorders in DSM-IV in managed care plans only, equal to that provided for physical illnesses (roughly 40 percent of population); part of a larger Missouri managed-care regulatory measure. Sept. 1, 1997
Missouri 1999
Specifies that coverage for mental illness benefits shall not place greater financial burdens on the insured than for physical illnesses. The law specifies that substance abuse is covered only if the covered person also has a diagnosis of a mental illness. The substance abuse coverage can be limited to one detox session, which is not to exceed four days. Benefits to individuals with co-occurring disorders are limited to 45 inpatient days. However, the insurer may still apply different deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance terms. Businesses can apply for an exemption if compliance with this law results in a 2 percent premium-cost increase. Provides for impact study. The law expires on Jan. 1, 2005.
Jan. 1, 2000
Montana 1999
Provides equitable health insurance and disability insurance for severe mental illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism) that is no less favorable than that provided for other physical illnesses.
Jan. 1, 2000
Nebraska 1999 The law applies to "any mental health condition that current medical science affirms is caused by a biological disorder of the brain and that substantially limits the life activities of the person with the serious mental illness." Exempts plans with fewer than 15 employees. Not a mandate. Jan. 1, 2000
Nevada 1999
Mandates coverage for those with severe mental illness including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorders, major depression, panic, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Annual and lifetime limits, and out-of-pocket limits are the same as for other medical/surgical benefits. Minimum 30 in-hospital days and 27 outpatient visits per year. Alternative to hospitalization available on a two-for-one exchange of the in-hospital benefits (up to 40 days), to include crisis respite, partial hospitalization, and other residential treatment. Outpatient visits for medication management not counted toward mental health benefits but come out of standard medical coverage. Also: Co-pays and deductibles are a maximum of for outpatient visits and 0 per inpatient admission. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees are exempt from this mandate.
Jan. 1, 2000
New Hampshire 1994
Provides for coverage of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoia, and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder or autism no less extensive than coverage for physical illnesses; applies only to groups and HMOs, regardless of size.
Jan. 1, 1995
New Jersey 1999
Requires that every individual and group hospital service corporation contract that provides hospital or medical expense benefits and is delivered, issued, executed, or renewed shall provide coverage for biologically based mental illness under the same terms and conditions as provided for any other sickness.
Aug. 13, 1999
New Mexico 2000
Provides that group plans must not impose treatment limitations or financial requirements on the provision of mental health benefits if identical limitations or requirements are not imposed on coverage of benefits for other conditions. The scope of the law includes those mental health benefits described in the group health plan, or group health insurance offered in connection with the plan. The law does not apply to benefits for the treatment of substance abuse, chemical dependency, or gambling addictions. The law includes a cost exemption that allows employers that qualify to opt out.
Oct. 1, 2000
North Carolina (state employees only) 1991
Requires non-discriminatory coverage in state government employee health contracts. The law defines "mental illness" when applied to an adult — an illness which so lessens the capacity of the individual to use self-control, judgment, and discretion in the conduct of his affairs and social relations as to make it necessary or advisable for him to be under treatment, care, supervision, guidance or control; and when applied to a minor — a mental condition, other than mental retardation alone, that so impairs the youths capacity to exercise age-adequate self-control or judgment in the conduct of his/her activities and social relationships that the youth requires treatment. The law provides that the state-employee plan must have the same deductibles, durational limits, and coinsurance that apply to other physical illness benefits.
Jan. 1, 1992
North Carolina (state employees only) 1997
Requires non-discriminatory coverage in state government employee health contracts. The law is nearly identical to the 1991 parity law (above), except that it broadens the law to require non-discriminatory coverage for "chemical dependency." The law defines "chemical dependency" as the pathological use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs in a manner or to a degree that produces an impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning and which may, but need not, include a pattern of tolerance and withdrawal, with a diagnosis found in the DSM-IV or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Oct. 1, 1997
Oklahoma 1999
Provides equitable coverage for those with "severe mental illness," including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Exempts "small employers" with 50 or fewer employees; also provides for a 2 percent premium-increase exemption.
Jan. 1, 2000
Pennsylvania 1998
Requires that benefits be provided for serious mental illnesses and that there be no difference in either the annual or lifetime dollar limits in coverage for serious mental illnesses and any other illnesses. The law also provides that cost-sharing arrangements, including but not limited to deductibles and co-payments for coverage of serious mental illnesses, shall not prohibit access to care. The law sets minimum coverage for serious mental illnesses at 30 inpatient days and 60 outpatient days annually. The law exempts employers with 50 or fewer employees.
April 21, 1999
Rhode Island 1994
Provides for coverage of "serious mental illness" that current medical science affirms is caused by a biological disorder of the brain and substantially limits life activities. The law requires that benefits for serious mental illnesses include the same durational limits, amount limits, deductibles, and coinsurance as for other illnesses and diseases.
Jan. 1, 1995
South Carolina (state employees only) 2000
Requires the state health insurance plan to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of a mental health condition and/or substance abuse disorder and provides that the plan must not establish any term or condition that places a greater financial burden on an insured for access to treatment for a mental health or substance abuse condition than is required for access to treatment for other physical illnesses. The law provides that any deductible or out-of-pocket limits required under the state health insurance plan must be comprehensive for coverage of mental illnesses, alcohol or substance abuse and other physical health conditions. The law requires parity for biologically based mental illnesses. The law includes a cost exemption which allows the state plan to opt out of the requirements if it can show that the total health insurance costs of the state plan increase by more than 1 percent at the end of the three-year period beginning 1/1/2002 and ending 12/31/2004; or by more than 3.39 percent at any time beginning 1/1/2002 and ending 12/31/2004.
Jan. 1, 2001 (includes a sunset provision of Jan. 1, 2005)
South Dakota 1998
Provides coverage for the treatment and diagnosis of biologically based mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders, with the same dollar limits, deductibles, coinsurance factors and restrictions as for other covered illnesses.
July 1, 1998
Tennessee 1998
Provides mandated mental health coverage but does not cover alcohol or substance abuse treatment; annual and lifetime limits and out-of-pocket expense limits must be equal to other medical and surgical benefits; covers at least 20 inpatient hospitalization days and 25 outpatient visits per year; alternatives to hospitalization must be provided at two-for-one of the inpatient hospitalization days (up to 40 days), including crisis respite services for the consumer, residential treatment and partial hospitalization; outpatient visits for medication management do not count toward mental health benefits but are provided equal to a medical visit; does not require parity for co-pays and deductibles; a business can file for an exemption after 12 months if its costs increase by more than 1 percent; businesses with 25 or fewer employees are exempt.
Jan. 1, 2000
Texas (public employees only) 1991
Covers all public state and local employees, and all teachers and university system employees; plan covers schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Sept. 1, 1991
Texas 1997
Covers schizophrenia, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression in childhood and adolescence; exempts businesses with fewer than 50 employees; grants 60 outpatient visits and 45 inpatient days annually.
Jan. 1, 1998
Vermont 1997
The law provides that health plans shall not establish any lifetime or annual payment limits, deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance and any other cost-sharing requirements, out-of-pocket limits, visit limits and any other financial component of coverage that places a greater financial burden on an insured than for other physical health conditions. The law requires a single limit for mental health and physical health deductibles and out-of-pocket limits. The law requires parity coverage for mental illnesses and addictive disorders.
Jan. 1, 1998
Virginia 1999
Provides equitable coverage for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and drug and alcoholism addiction. Employers with 25 or fewer employees are exempt.
Jan. 1, 2000
Source: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Last updated June 8, 2004
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Depression & Mental Health FAQs 2
What is Clinical Depression? Clinical
depression can affect your body, mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can
change your eating habits, how you feel and think about things, your
ability to work and study, and how you interact with people. Clinical
depression is not a passing mood, a sign of personal weakness or a
condition that can be willed away. Clinically depressed people cannot
"pull themselves together" and get better. Depression can be
successfully treated by a mental health professional or certain health
care providers. With the right treatment, 80 percent of those who seek
help get better. And many people begin to feel better in just a few
weeks.
Depression a Big Factor in Poor Health World Health Organization Finds Depression Often Goes Untreated By Salynn Boyles WebMD Medical News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD Sept.
6, 2007 -- Depression has a greater impact on overall health than
arthritis, diabetes, angina, and asthma, but it all too often goes
unrecognized and untreated, a report from the World Health Organization
(WHO) suggests. more... Depression a Big Factor in Poor Health
For Additional Information About Depression Write To: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
For free brochures on depression and its treatment call: 1-800-421-4211. or visit: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
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