Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to the issue briefs on this topic that are focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items.  See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you. 

Goal Statement   one sentence that further defines the topic 

• To bring about the equality of insurance coverage for mental health issues.

Policy Options / Program Models   specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled 

Issue Briefs   issue briefs on this topic at the local, state, national, global level

• Mental Health Parity - USA

Glossary of Terms   key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue 

• Mental Health Parity: “prohibits insurers or health care service plans from discriminating between coverage offered for mental illness, serious mental illness, substance abuse, and other physical disorders and diseases. In short, parity requires insurers to provide the same level of benefits for mental illness, serious mental illness or substance abuse as for other physical disorders and diseases.” ^[1]