Public Act 41 of 2024 Mandates Insurance Coverage Of Mental Health & Substance Abuse

Governor Whitmer signed Michigan Public Act 41 of 2024 on Tuesday, May 20th.  P.A. 41 amends the Michigan Insurance Code to require Michigan health insurance policies cover almost all mental health and substance abuse services. All types of mental health and substance abuse benefits will have to match those provided for comparable medical/surgical conditions.  Cumulative financial limits applicable only to mental health or substance abuse benefits are now prohibited.

Although portrayed as a major expansion of health care in Michigan, the Act duplicates provisions of the 16 year old U.S. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (a component of Public Law 110-343, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008) into Michigan law.  P.A. 41 of 2024 just continues to enforce the provisions of MHPAEA 2008 in Michigan should it be changed.

No State of Michigan funding is provided.  The cost to health care insurers is unknown, so any resulting health care price increases are not yet known:

https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-mental-health-substance-abuse-insurance-law-physical-care-governor-gretchen-whitmer-government-politics-legislation-lansing-ingham-county-state#

Michigan closes 'loopholes' with signing of mental health, substance abuse insurance law
By Katie Sergent | May 21, 2024

LANSING, Mich. — A new Michigan law is aiming to close "loopholes" to make sure mental health and substance abuse disorder patients get the care they need.

Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 27, a piece of legislation providing equal insurance coverage for both behavioral health and substance abuse disorder treatment, according to the governor's office.

“Every person in Michigan deserves access to mental and physical health care," Whitmer said. “Getting this done will ensure Michiganders get the care they need and close loopholes that have allowed providers to avoid covering these essential services. Let’s keep working together to help every Michigander get the help they need to get better.”

Tuesday's passage continues Michigan's historic investments in mental health services, which included expanding access to healthcare through recruiting and retainment of hundreds of mental health workers and the expansion of crisis stabilization programs, according to officials.

In addition, Gov. Whitmer signed a $328 million investment made within Michigan's state budget for mental health and school safety, which secured $214 per student for on-campus mental health and school safety needs.

Another $300 million was also proposed to continue investments in student mental health, officials said.

“Mental health care is just as important as physical health care," Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox said. “In our role as a consumer protection agency, DIFS will continue to do everything within our power to ensure that Michiganders can get coverage for the mental and physical health treatments they need to stay healthy."

“Physical and mental health go hand in hand, and both are important for living a happy, healthy life,” Rep. Mike Harris (R - Waterford), the Republican vice chair of the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee, added. “This law will guarantee that health insurance coverage includes mental health care, so Michiganders can access critical services and treatments. Protecting holistic care will support healthy bodies and healthy minds.”.....