Ohio mental health parity information now online

An online toolkit from the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) is now available so consumers can access information on health benefits for biologically based mental illness under the state's new mental health parity law. (Source: Gongwer News Report, Oct. 19, 2007.)  The law, SB116, passed by the Ohio General Assembly last session, applies to most health care plans as of Oct. 1. The toolkit is available here.

Covered mental illnesses include "schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive order, bipolar disorder, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder." More information on mental health parity benefits and regulations is available by calling ODI at 1-800-686-1526.