State Mental Health Parity Laws
To download a chart of State Mental Health Parity Laws as a PDF, click here. (rev 07/09)
To download the companion Guide to State Parity Law, click here.
Type of Law
Comprehensive parity
Equal coverage of a broad range of mental health conditions, including substance abuse disorders. Does not exempt significant policy groups.
Broad-based parity
Equal coverage of a broad range of mental health conditions. May include some limitations or exemptions.
Limited parity
Limits equal coverage to a specific list of mental health conditions and/or
Excludes equal coverage for significant policy groups and/or
Limits equal coverage to certain durational or financial limits or cost-sharing requirements and/or
Allows plans to opt out of parity due to cost increase provisions.
Mandated if offered
Requires that mental health overage be equal to other medical conditions ifthe plan offers mental health coverage.
Mandated offering
Requires a plan to offer an option of mental health coverage that is equal to coverage for other medical conditions.
Minimum mandated benefit
Mandates minimum mental health coverage that is not required to be equal to other medical conditions.
Covered Conditions
Serious mental illness
“Serious mental illness” is used to refer to coverage of major mental illnesses, typically defined in statute as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depression, panic disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Broad-based mental health disorders
“Broad-based mental health disorders” is used to refer to coverage of a relatively broad range of mental disorders.
Substance abuse disorders
“Substance abuse disorders” is used to refer to coverage of alcoholism and chemical dependency.
