Evelyn Shaw, L.M.S.W.

More Coverage than You Think:

Insurance Company Coverage for Mental Health Services Increased in New York State

In February, 2010, the mental health community celebrated the passage of the Mental Health Parity Law, also known as "Timothy's Law".  This law mandates that insurance companies provide the same rate of coverage for mental health services  as they do for physical health services.  There are a few exceptions to this mandate,so you should check with your insurance company about how the new law applies to your policy.

What this Change May Mean for You

If the law does apply to your policy and . . .

 . . . you have out-of-network coverage for medical services, you are now also covered for the services of out-of-network mental health practitioners.

 . . . your rate of coverage for medical services is, for example, 50%, your coverage for mental health services is also 50%.