Mental Health and Substance Abuse Laws

In recent years, the stigma behind mental health has lessened to a degree. This is both in part to advocacy, prevalence, and current laws passed within the last four years. Substance abuse and mental health have transitioned from being a moral failure to common disorders.

Due to the increasing number of suicides in recent years, the topic of depression has become extremely prevalent as of recent. Influential people like rapper/songwriter Logic have begun to raise awareness for the issue enabling unhindered discussion. As news of celebrities dying by suicide are in the news more and more frequently, people are starting to realize this is a serious issue that can happen to anyone, not just those who are showing visible signs. Therefore, remember that a drug rehab program isn’t just for rich people or celebrities. It’s for everyone.

Let’s take a closer look at substance abuse and mental health laws and how they may affect you.

Substance Abuse Legislation and Mental Health Laws

Recent laws have been passed to allow people suffering from mental illnesses (including substance abuse or addiction) to have access to affordable care. Here are some of the ways our government as advanced our legal system to provide people suffering from mental illnesses.

The Mental Health Parity Act

This one of the most widely-known pieces of legislation on mental health benefits. This Act states that under federal law, health insurance companies and group health plans cannot impose unfair limitations on psychological health or substance abuse benefits, compared to the medical or surgical benefits they offer alongside. Essentially what this means is, if your insurance plan covers mental health, it cannot give you a higher deductible or less coverage for mental health than it does for physical benefits.

The Rehabilitation Act, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MPHAEA), and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This ensures that people with disabilities (such as a mental illness) are not victims of discrimination. The ADA involves all public and private places open to the general public. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)

This expands coverage for health insurance coverage like Medicaid. Because of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) Medicaid must also provide mental health coverage. It is important to note that addiction treatment centers that will accept Medicaid or even Medicare policies are less common. The Caring Start Act of 2015 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support young children with mental health problems by implementing an intervention, support, consultation, prevention, and treatment programs.

In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act was signed into law. Many believe that this law makes remarkable improvements in psychological health regarding prevention services, treatment, research, and education and training.

What is the Impact of Substance Abuse Treatment Laws?

It is important to know your rights. Therefore, if you feel you have been unfairly covered by your insurance company, employer, or public establishment for your mental health, you can reach out to Hogan Injury (who helped us create this article) and learn how more about your legal rights. If you are struggling with an addiction and you have insurance, have hope. In fact, there may be little to no cost for your treatment under the Mental Health Parity Act.

Getting the help you need is important. That is why these laws are in place. Moreover, they give people with mental health and substance abuse issues access to affordable treatment.

No longer do you have to just sit back and wonder whether addiction treatment is out of reach for you. In many cases, it definitely is not. If you have questions about addiction treatment and whether you can afford it, reach out to us today at 888.707.2873.