State Rep Paul Heroux Co-Sponsors Bill to Strengthen Mental Health Parity

Bill will empower citizens to pursue full parity rights in court

State Representative Paul Heroux has co-sponsored a bill by Senator Brian A. Joyce to assist Massachusetts residents in obtaining the full mental health parity they’re granted under the law. The bill will allow consumers to pursue private litigation against an insurer if the insurer is denying the consumer access to treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues.

"One of the two main issues that I campaigned on was increasing access to mental health services. This is essential legislation that is overdue. This is one of several steps and one of many bills that I have co-sponsored to achieve this goal" said Heroux. 

In 2008, both Massachusetts and the federal government passed legislation requiring insurers to cover treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders equal to physical ailments.

Though the law passed, many insurers will deny more expensive plans, such as inpatient treatments, or require facilities to comply with stringent and burdensome guidelines that place an excessive burden on providers. The legislation would allow individual or class action lawsuits against an insurer, and allow for the recuperation of court costs, attorneys’ fees and damages should the courts find the insurer denied mental health parity.

Contact Paul Heroux if you have any questions at 508-639-9511 or paul.heroux@mahouse.gov.