06/04/2010
New federal Mental Health Parity rules could lead to plan changes for some groups
The government recently released rules pertaining to the federal Mental Health Parity law that will go into effect on July 1, 2010. The law impacts new and renewing groups of 51+, changing how health plans administer mental health and substance abuse benefits.
Our standard Regence Innova®, Regence Engage®, Regence ActivateSM and Regence HSA 2.0SM plans and prescription drug benefits already comply with the new rules, so no changes are required.
However, since the customization of up-front benefits could cause non-compliance with the law, we are thoroughly reviewing all groups of 100+ with effective dates of July 1, 2010, and later. Your Regence sales executive will contact you if any changes need to be made to a client's plan.
In addition, the law requires Innova groups of 100+ with the Expanded Office Services Rider to waive the deductible for outpatient mental health and outpatient substance abuse treatment.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Regence Sales contact.
« Back to Communications
|
