New rules for health insurance providers

2010-01-31 19:18:55 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, News)

Wired PR News reports new insurance rules require insurers to provide equal coverage for people with mental health and addiction problems.

Insurers will soon be required to provide equal coverage for individuals with mental health or addiction problems with group plans.

U.S. (WiredPRNews.com) – New rules have been issued for health insurance providers by the U.S. government. As reported by HealthDay News, insurers are required to provide equal coverage for individuals with mental health or addiction problems under group plans in accordance with the changes.

A news release from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department is quoted in the report as stating of the requirements, “These practices must be based on the same level of scientific evidence used by the insurer for medical and surgical benefits. For example, a plan may not apply separate deductibles for treatment related to mental health or substance abuse disorders and medical and surgical benefits — they must be calculated as one limit.”

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis is further quoted as stating in the release, “Today’s rules will bring needed relief to families faced with meeting the cost of obtaining mental health and substance abuse services… The benefits will give these Americans access to greatly needed medical treatment, which will better allow them to participate fully in society.”

As noted in the report, the new rules will be effective for plan years starting July 1, 2010.

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