Recent national events have illuminated frustrations and systemic issues within our healthcare system, including disparities in insurance coverage that make access difficult. These challenges are particularly significant in Connecticut, especially regarding behavioral health services. Thousands throughout our state are denied access to services due to insufficient coverage and poor enforcement of parity laws, so it is crucial for us to act now.
Why Parity Matters
Behavioral health parity laws are designed to eliminate discrimination in insurance coverage, ensuring that behavioral health services receive the same comprehensive coverage as physical health care. However, despite Connecticut passing one of the strongest parity laws in the nation in 2019, its enforcement has been slow, leaving residents facing coverage denials and inadequate care. In Connecticut:
- More than 1 in 5 adults experienced a behavioral health condition in the past year, yet many did not receive the treatment they needed.
- Behavioral health providers receive lower pay than other medical specialties, discouraging participation in insurance networks and limiting patient access.
- For every behavioral health provider, there are 220 individuals in need, significantly impacting access to timely care.
These statistics are not just numbers; they reflect the challenges our neighbors, coworkers, and family members are facing in accessing adequate care.
To address these gaps, we have joined the Connecticut Parity Coalition, which is committed to reducing health disparities through advocacy and legislative action, and we’re looking to make a significant impact during the 2025 legislative session.
The coalition has outlined a clear path forward with recommendations for legislators designed to improve compliance, transparency, and access:
- Compliance: Ensure insurers obtain annual certifications to comply with parity laws and impose penalties for violations.
- Transparency: Laws protecting insurers’ compliance status regarding parity should be repealed, ensuring the information is accessible to the public.
- Access: Create a Parity Advancement Fund to support educational and enforcement initiatives.
The hope is that these measures will guarantee equal access to care, promote healthier communities, reduce healthcare costs, and alleviate the burden on families.
Why We Must Act Now
The upcoming legislative session presents the perfect opportunity to turn our frustration into action. This year, we believe Connecticut lawmakers should prioritize:
- Enacting legislation that guarantees parity compliance.
- Making sure that insurers are held accountable for coverage inequities.
- Providing all residents with access to behavioral health services.
This week, a third of the members of the Connecticut General Assembly will introduce a behavioral health parity bill that proposes solutions recommended by the Connecticut Parity Coalition. These measures reflect extensive collaboration among stakeholders, including advocates, legislators, and health providers, aimed at strengthening parity enforcement and transparency. The broad bipartisan support for the bill marks a significant step forward in advancing behavioral health parity in Connecticut.
We’re proud to be leading the charge, along with the Connecticut Parity Coalition, for behavioral health parity within our state. However, we can’t do it alone. We need your voice. Contact your state legislators and encourage them to support parity legislation. If you’re comfortable, share your experiences so they know the impact of these disparities. Together, we hope to make Connecticut a model for equitable and effective behavioral health care.
For more information, visit CTParityCoalition.org. Let’s ensure that no one in our state is left behind.
Luis B. Pérez
President & CEO