Tag Archives: Mental Health Parity

Final Rules About What Health Plans Must Cover

This is exactly what many health insurance companies, and many families, have been waiting to hear. The Obama administration has issued the final rules that define the Essential Health Benefits that must be covered in all health plans, starting in 2014. Here is a quick look at what will be included. The Department of Health and Human Services has announced a final rule that defines what health insurance plans must cover. The rule applies to both individual plans and the small group markets. The purpose is to give consumers a consistent way to compare one health insurance plan with another. … Continue reading →

What is Project AWARE?

Shortly after President Obama discussed new policy proposals to reduce gun violence, there were quite a few news articles about something called Project AWARE. What is it? After doing some research, it appears to be the name of the plan to help make mental health care more accessible to people who need it. Recently, I posted a blog that discussed part of the Obama Administration’s plan to reduce gun violence. Since this is the Special Needs Blog, I focused on the parts that related to improved access to mental health care. Today, I saw several news article about something called … Continue reading →

New Gun Control Laws and Special Needs

Today, January 15, 2013, Vice President Biden delivered his policy proposals to President Obama regarding ways to reduce gun violence. New York Governor Cuomo also unveiled rules to prevent gun violence. Some of the new regulations are going to affect children, teens, and adults who have mental illnesses. Here is what parents need to know. Now is the time to do something. The tragedy that happened in Newtown, Connecticut, has sparked a push for legislators to enact laws that are intended to reduce the amount of gun violence in the United States. Some feel that this is what we have … Continue reading →

Call for Improved Access to Mental Health Care in Colorado

There seems to be a growing call for improved access to mental health care. The current attention likely has something to do with the recent school shootings. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy is calling for parity in health plans in Colorado. Governor Hickenlooper wants funding to improve access to mental health care. Yesterday, I wrote a blog about Senator Al Franken who wants to see an increase in the number of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. He is on the education committee in the United States Senate, and said he will push for federal funding to make that happen. He … Continue reading →

Understanding Employer Provided Group Health Insurance

Working Americans fortunate enough to have private health insurance are covered under an employer provided group health insurance plan. There are two popular plans employers might choose for their worker’s benefits package. A standard indemnity health insurance policy, allows employees and their insured dependents the freedom to visit any health care provider they choose. The cost of the appointment or medical service is paid out of pocket by the employee and insurance plan reimburses covered members for a portion of the paid services. The other most common health plan employers choose is a managed care plan. Managed care plans offer … Continue reading →