Which act requires coverage for mental illnesses in health insurance policies?

• A. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
• B. Mental Health Services
• C. Network
• D. Public Hospital

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested here is parity in health insurance coverage for mental health. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires that if a health insurance plan covers mental health or substance-use disorder benefits, those benefits must be provided on equal terms with medical/surgical benefits. In practical terms, this means the financial requirements (like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) and the treatment limits (such as the number of visits or days of coverage) for mental health care cannot be more restrictive than those for physical health care. It also extends to non-quantitative aspects, ensuring that rules such as prior authorization or network limitations aren’t applied more stringently to mental health services.

The goal is to close the gap that often existed between how physical and mental health care were treated in insurance plans. The act doesn't create new coverage where none exists, and it doesn’t guarantee unlimited mental health benefits. It applies to plans that already offer mental health benefits. The other options refer to concepts like a general term for services, a network, or a facility, not a law enforcing parity in coverage.