An act to amend the public health law and the social services law, in relation to establishing mental health parity in public health insurance plans.

Synopsis:
This bill amends the public health law to bring mental health parity to New York State residents with public health insurance, such as Child Health Insurance Plan and Family Health Plus Program. 

Status:
This bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee on 5/24/07 and the Senate Health Committee on 1/9/08.  The bill was re-referred to the Assembly’s Mental Health Committee 1/9/08. 

Summary of Provisions:
Currently public health insurance programs provide mental health, alcohol and substance abuse services, this amendment seeks to improve the quality of care by mandating that services be provided at the same level of other “covered health care services,” thus removing discriminatory barriers such as higher co-pays for mental health services.
 
NASW-NYS Position:
NASW is in support of this bill and has issued a Memorandum in Support.  The passage of this bill will remove the barrier to mental health services for many citizens who cannot afford private health insurance or are not offered such by their employers.