AHA supports model state legislation that strengthens behavioral health care

The AHA recently signed on in support of model legislation that states can use to hold health insurers accountable for discriminating against those with mental health and substance use disorders by denying coverage of care.

As drafted, the Kennedy Forum’s Jim Ramstad Model State Parity Legislation model bill would require insurers to follow generally accepted standards of behavioral health care to cover medically necessary treatments; prohibit plans from limiting mental health or SUD care for chronic conditions to acute care; and prohibit plans from refusing to cover medically necessary services based on the belief that these services could be covered by a public program.

The model legislation was developed in partnership with several organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.