Low-income Americans will have greater access to mental and substance abuse treatments under a new rule proposed by the Centers for Services (CMS).
The proposal applies provisions an existing law, the Mental Parity and Addiction Equity Act 2008 that regulates private and , to and Children's (CHIP). That law says benefits for mental and substance abuse disorders must be no more restrictive than those for medical and surgical services.
“Whether private , , or CHIP, all Americans deserve access to quality mental services and substance use disorder services,” said Vikki Wachino, acting director, Center for and CHIP Services.
The proposed rule, which is available online, ensures that all beneficiaries who receive services through managed organizations or under alternative benefit have access to mental and substance use disorder benefits regardless whether services are through the managed organization or another delivery system.