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Mental health parity rights, and how to appeal an insurance denial
U.S. Department of Labor on the rights granted by federal parity law — and the steps an appeal actually takes.
U.S. Department of Labor9 min read
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act bars health plans from imposing stricter limits on mental health and substance use coverage than on comparable medical/surgical coverage. The 2024 final rules tightened enforcement, but the appeals process is still on the patient.
DOL's hub includes the actual self-help fact sheets, a complaint form for federally-regulated plans, and the EBSA contact line. The single most useful sentence: in your appeal, cite the specific parity provision the denial appears to violate.
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A note on this article
Mental Hum publishes general education, not medical advice. If something here reflects your own experience, please consider speaking to a clinician. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.