What is Making Parity Real?
In the U.S. and Wisconsin, we're moving rapidly toward parity -- health insurance benefits for addiction and mental health treatment that equal those for physical medical care. But insurance parity doesn't mean that people with an addiction or mental illness will actually get the treatment they need.
Making Parity Real is a statewide series of symposia featuring moderated dialogue among local stakeholders -- providers, advocates, the recovery community and law enforcement officials -- to assess the major state policy challenges facing addiction and mental health services in Wisconsin. Based on information learned at Making Parity Real symposia, the Public Policy Institute plans to present state lawmakers and policymakers with recommendations to close Wisconsin's treatment gaps.
Discussion explores:
- The quantity, cultural competency and location of providers.
- The adequacy of public and private funding sources.
- The ability of non-medical providers to administer treatment.
- Strategies to reduce stigma.
- Other non-financial barriers to receiving treatment services.
In addition the series features updates on the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343), emerging CMS regulations on addiction and mental health treatment, and Wisconsin legislative proposals including the Wisconsin Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity Act (SB-362/AB-512).
Making Parity Real is presented by the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, the Milwaukee Addiction Treatment Initiative and the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force.
Learn more:
Milwaukee Addiction Treatment Initiative | Mental Health Policy Initiative
