Gaps in care: insurance and mental health [The Seattle Times]

Aug. 6—At some point, you've probably had to fight with your health insurer to get care. Fighting for coverage can be even more challenging for mental health conditions, experts say and patient complaints confirm.

Historic ignorance of mental illness and misperceptions combined with weak enforcement measures are mostly to blame, according to experts. It wasn't until the last 15 years that U.S. Congress required insurers to comply with parity rules — that mental health and substance use disorder treatment should be covered at comparable rates to physical health. Today, the law still lacks real teeth.

In a new, occasional series, The Seattle Times Mental Health Project is exploring how the health insurance industry often fails to provide adequate care for patients while also straining health care providers.

You can read our stories, as well as a resource guide to navigate the system, below:

* Families fall deep in debt for mental health care. Why is insurance so spotty?

* Tips to navigate insurance denials for mental health conditions

* Have you ever struggled to get insurance coverage for mental health care? We'd like to hear from you.

If you have questions about this series or have a story to share, email the Mental Health Project reporting team at mentalhealth@seattletimes.com or leave your question in the form below.

If you're reading this on your mobile device, click this link.

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