By guest blogger Gene Beresin, MD, MA In today’s public health landscape, mental health concerns among young people are widespread and growing. Data show that 1 in 4 individuals will have a mental health condition, with 50% beginning before age 14, and 75% by age 26. The COVID-19 pandemic will also have a tremendous impact … Continued

Last week, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support individuals and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the bill’s many provisions are a handful of items pertaining directly or indirectly to mental health care. Given that the U.S. is already in the midst of a mental health crisis—with … Continued

By guest blogger Denise Denslow   “That will never happen in Arizona.” “The Arizona legislature will never pass a state parity law.” Two years ago, these were the typical responses my husband and I heard from all corners of Arizona’s political landscape. However, driven by the powerful combination of overwhelming love for a child lost … Continued

Clear, Science-based Communications; Efforts to Minimize Post-Traumatic Stress; and Increased Access to Care Must be Prioritized Today, The Kennedy Forum sent a letter signed by more than 40 health advocacy organizations urging Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, … Continued

In November, the season five premiere of the popular Netflix show Patriot Act tackled the complex issue of insurance coverage for mental health and addiction treatment in America. Host (and comedian) Hasan Minhaj educated viewers on the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act (Federal Parity Law)—co-sponsored by The Kennedy Forum founder and former … Continued

Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that settlements were reached with five health insurance companies and two companies that manage mental health coverage for insurers based on state investigations into mental health parity violations. In response, former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, lead author of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act … Continued

While a slight increase in life expectancy and a slight decrease in overdose deaths—per recent CDC data—are definitely steps in the right direction, the U.S. mental health crisis is far from over. In fact, a closer look at the numbers provides a stark reminder of where we are. Life expectancy increased by about a month—78.7 … Continued

Two new bills in California would prohibit insurers from limiting benefits and coverage for chronic conditions and requiring prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment Last week, former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum, joined Sen. Wiener, Sen. Beall, and Asm. Aguiar-Curry in California to introduce two new mental health parity bills cosponsored … Continued

State Regulators Using Audits and Enforcement Actions to Promote Compliance with Federal and State Parity Laws Pennsylvania Insurance officials recently announced a $1 million fine against UnitedHealthcare based on violations of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and other state regulatory requirements as a result of a recent market conduct exam. UnitedHealthcare … Continued

2019 was a big year in the fight for mental health equity! Let’s take a closer look at six important game changers. ONE: The Wit Decision In Wit v. United Healthcare Insurance Company, 11 plaintiffs, on behalf of more than 50,000 patients, sued United Behavioral Health (UBH) for wrongfully denying mental health and addiction treatment coverage. … Continued