Despite increased attention from policymakers, significant gaps in mental health parity persist across much of the U.S., according to a new report.
The freshly introduced Mental Health Parity Index highlights imbalances in 43 states when comparing access to in-network mental health and substance use treatment versus physical healthcare services. It found that patients in roughly 70% of counties encounter difficulties obtaining in-network mental health care.
The index was created by The Kennedy Forum in collaboration with the American Medical Association, Third Horizon, the American Psychological Foundation and Ballmer Group, drawing on data from the four largest commercial insurers.
In addition to access issues, the report identified widespread payment imbalances for mental health and substance use treatment nationwide. On average, reimbursement differences between mental and physical healthcare range from 16% to 59% across the U.S.
Patrick J. Kennedy, co-founder of The Kennedy Forum, said in the announcement that mental health parity centers on the principle that mental health and addiction services should be treated on equal footing with other forms of medical care.
The analysis also revealed that none of the insurers evaluated meet parity standards nationwide, though certain regions—at the state and county level—have reached or surpassed those benchmarks.
Researchers noted that these higher-performing areas provide an opportunity to examine effective strategies, with the index pointing to insurer practices that appear to be working.
By presenting parity data in a visual format, the index aims to help payers, providers, policymakers and other stakeholders better identify gaps and take action to improve access and equity in mental healthcare.
Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, said in the press release that patients should have equal access to mental health and substance-use disorder care as they do for other medical conditions.
What the Mental Health Parity Index Reveals
The index provides a more granular view of how coverage and treatment differ across regions and insurance types. It highlights measurable gaps in reimbursement rates, frequency of denied claims, and provider availability. These differences point to systemic inconsistencies that continue to affect care delivery.
In many cases, patients must navigate complex administrative processes just to access basic services. The report suggests that these inefficiencies disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including low-income groups and those living in underserved areas.
Role of Employers and Health Plans
Employers and private insurers play a critical role in shaping access to care. The findings indicate that benefit design decisions—such as network size, reimbursement levels, and authorization requirements—can significantly influence patient experience.
Organizations are now under increasing pressure to reassess how their plans are structured. More transparent reporting and accountability measures may help ensure that coverage aligns more closely with stated parity goals.
Technology and Digital Health Solutions
Digital health tools are emerging as a potential solution to bridge gaps in care. Telehealth platforms, mobile applications, and virtual therapy services are expanding access, particularly for individuals in remote locations.
