The CouncilDAWNPublicationsContests/AwardsLinks HelpHome

Back to WCDD Home Page > Introduction

Mental Health Fairness in Insurance

ISSUE:

Health insurance plans in Wisconsin must provide a minimum level of coverage for treatment of mental health and alcohol and other drug abuse (MH/AODA) disorders. This minimum has, in fact, become the maximum provided by most plans. In addition, nothing prevents health insurers from charging higher deductibles or copayments for MH/AODA services. The Coalition for Fairness in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Insurance supports legislation to address the following issues:

• Persons with MH/AODA disorders receive more limited health insurance coverage than persons with other illnesses.
• Adults who require treatment beyond the maximums must either pay out-of-pocket, receive publicly funded services or go without needed treatment.
• Families with children who require extensive treatment may need to give up custody of their children in order to obtain needed services.

POSITION:

The WCDD strongly supports the Coalition for Fairness in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Insurance efforts to change Wisconsin law so that insurance coverage for MH/AODA treatment is equal to coverage of other illnesses.

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES:

WCDD supports the following legislative initiatives:

• Implement comprehensive mental heath and substance abuse health insurance parity legislation.

Back to WCDD Home Page > Introduction

1. Introduction
2. Birth to Three
3. Campaign Finance Reform
4. Children's Long Term Care Redesign
5. Community Aids
6. Community Integration Program
7. Community Options Program
8. Dental Care Access
9. Direct Service Workforce Shortage
10. Education of Students with Disabilities
11. Employment
12. Family Care Program
13. Family Support Program
14. Independent Living Assistive Technology
15. Medicaid Card Services
16. Mental Health: Fairness in Insurance
17. Mental Health: Services & Supports
18. Protecting People with Disabilities from Abuse
19. Respite Care
20. Specialized Transportation
21. State Centers for the Developmentally Disabled
22. Voting Reforms
23. Welfare Reform & People with Disabilities