DMHC Takes Action to Ensure Health Plans Comply with California’s Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Law

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) today issued guidance to ensure health plans comply with amendments made to California’s mental health parity law enacted under Senate Bill (SB) 855, authored by Senator Scott Wiener and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last year.

“The DMHC is committed to ensuring Californians can access quality mental health and substance use disorder services. This is especially critical right now as people are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic that has no doubt had an impact on the mental health of many,” said DMHC Director Mary Watanabe. “This new law strengthens California’s mental health parity statute and will help improve access to quality mental health and substance use disorder services.”     Press Release   DMHC APL 21-002 – SB 855, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage    The DMHC issued an All Plan Letter to all commercial full-service health plans and specialized health plans offering behavioral health services that are regulated by the Department requiring the plans demonstrate compliance with SB 855. A fact sheet is also available to help health plan enrollees understand the changes under SB 855.