In what year was the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act established?

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was established in 2008. This landmark legislation was designed to ensure that mental health and substance use disorder benefits are provided to the same extent as medical and surgical benefits in health insurance plans. The law sought to eliminate the disparities in coverage and limit the differences in treatment limitations and financial requirements that were often applied to mental health services compared to physical health services.

Understanding the establishment of this act is crucial, as it advanced the coverage rights for individuals facing mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of mental health parity in the broader context of health care justice and accessibility. The year 2008 thus marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mental health care legislation in the United States.