SAINT PAUL (October 10, 2019) — Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day. It is a time to recognize, and unite behind, efforts to improve the mental health of people around the world. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated suicide prevention as the core theme.

Tragically, a life is lost to suicide every 40 seconds. According to WHO, close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year and it is the second leading cause of death among 15–29 year-olds.  

To help prevent suicide, WHO encourages everyone to take “40 seconds of action.” Consider having a conversation with a friend or family member if you are struggling, know someone who is or simply to bring awareness to this important issue. 

“In addition to raising awareness, it is important for Minnesotans to know their insurance rights regarding mental health care,” said Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “Federal and Minnesota state laws require that insurance companies treat benefits related to mental health care equally with the benefits related to physical health care. The Department of Commerce can help Minnesotans understand their insurance benefits, as well as address consumer complaints.”

Below are some key protections put in place to help improve mental health care in the U.S. and Minnesota. 

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)

Passed in 2008, this federal law requires most plans providing coverage for mental health and substance use treatment to provide coverage at parity with medical and surgical benefits. In other words, it protects consumers by preventing health insurers from providing less favorable benefits for mental health and substance use treatment services when compared to those provided for medical/surgical services. 

Parity requirements apply to health plan benefits, such as:  

• Copayments
• Deductibles
• Sufficient provider choice
• Prescription drug services

The law generally prevents health insurers from applying stricter coverage limitations on mental health and substance use disorder services than those applied to physical health services. Some examples of limitations include:

• Restricting the number of visits that will be covered by insurance
• Requiring prior authorization before covering certain services
• Proof of medical necessity to reimburse for certain care

Health plans should not impose limits on the number of visits a plan member may receive for mental health care if there are no such limits for physical health care visits, and prior authorization requirements for mental health services must be equally applied to or less restrictive than the requirements for physical health services. 

Minnesota Specific Protections

Minnesota has laws protecting consumer access to mental health care that go beyond the requirements set by the MHPAEA. Minnesota Statute 2019, section 62Q.47, requires health plans in the state to treat mental health therapy visits and medication management visits as they would primary care. 

For example, if a health plan has a $20 copayment for primary care services, the copayment for mental health therapy or medication management visits would also be $20, so long as the provider is in-network on the plan and operating within the scope of their professional license. 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that consumers receive coverage for benefits required by law, including mental health benefits. If you believe that you are not receiving benefits consistent with MHPAEA or Minnesota law, Commerce is here to help. Contact us at 651-539-1600 or consumer.protection@state.mn.us.

If you or someone else needs care:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides immediate assistance and connects callers to the nearest available suicide prevention and mental health provider at 1-800-273-8255.
• Every county in Minnesota has a mental health crisis line.
• Call 911 in an emergency or please check the backside of your insurance card for phone numbers and directions.
• Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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With You Every Day

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Commerce Department oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses.

Media Contact

Emmalynn Bauer
Director of Communications
Minnesota Department of Commerce
p: 651-539-1463 | emma.bauer@state.mn.us