Lamont signs mental health parity bill into law
Hartford (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has signed legislation aimed at ensuring health insurers treat mental illness the same as other conditions.
The Democrat said Monday he hopes the new law, which takes effect in January, will be the "first step" toward making Connecticut a leader in mental health parity.
Former Rhode Island U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a mental health advocate, urged Connecticut to consider additional steps to keep insurance companies accountable, such as preventing them from bidding on state contracts if they're in violation of state and federal parity laws.
The new law requires insurers to cover mental health and substance disorder treatment at the same level as physical health. It also requires insurance companies, beginning in 2021, to submit documentation annually to prove they're complying with the law.
Stories that may interest you
Court: Murder case against UConn doctor's wife can proceed
The Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that the murder case against the wife of a University of Connecticut medical school doctor can proceed
R.I. police: Missing toddler found dead in swimming pool
Authorities say a 2-year-old Rhode Island boy who climbed out of a window was found dead in a swimming pool
Visitor restrictions toughened in RI; no evictions before mid-May
Rhode Island’s governor says the state nearly doubled its coronavirus testing over the past week, and she is enacting tough new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the outbreak
Connecticut correction officers say coronavirus creating dangerous conditions
Union leaders say that as the pandemic sets in, inmates are getting testy, personal protective equipment is in short supply and officers are being forced to work 16-hour shifts.
READER COMMENTS