This fact sheet overviews the need and importance of SB 384 “An Act Concerning Mental Health Parity” and lists all of the supporters in Connecticut and nationally who back this needed legislation. Connecticut lacks true parity in practice. Enforceable parity law is one way to ensure that health plans are playing an active role in addressing the current opioid crisis, providing insured individuals timely access to medically appropriate care. The fact sheet requests passage of SB 384 and the addition of a screening for certain mental health conditions to an annual physical; expansion of reporting requirements for the CT Department of Insurance by Managed Care, Health Carriers, Health Insurers and the All Payer Claims Data Base; expansion of the data points that would be included in the Consumer Report Card; requirement of health carriers to use the Federal Parity Law for compliance, should there be conflicts between Federal and State Parity Laws. An editable word version is also provided.
Update as of May 4th, 2018: SB 384 has officially passed the Senate and now awaits a vote in the House.
Update as of May 9th, 2018: SB 384 has effectively been killed in the House through additions of language intended to require debate that would stretch beyond the House’ current schedule.
