This document provides an overview of essential information necessary for understanding mental health and substance use disorder parity and how to implement and comply with federal parity laws. This guide applies to parity laws in employer-sponsored health plans and group and individual insurance.

This guide explains prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), and how they can enhance clinical decision making. The guide also explains how PDMP improves patient safety, while helping to decrease prescription drug misuse and unintentional overdose deaths.

This resource describes the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 for people with employer-sponsored health plans who need treatment for mental and/or substance use disorders. It discusses how to file a claim, the denial of a claim and the appeals process.