📢 Yesterday, the California Department of Insurance adopted new regulations enforcing the California Mental Health Parity Act (SB 855), a bill sponsored by the Steinberg Institute. ❓What is the Mental Health Parity Act? Signed by Governor Newsom in 2020, the Mental Health Parity Act is landmark legislation that requires commercial health insurers to cover needed mental health and substance use services, just as they cover treatment for physical health. This was a huge step in ensuring Californians get accessible and affordable mental health and substance use services. ❓Why are these new regulations important? Despite passing five years ago, gaps in oversight have, in many cases, allowed private insurers to continue denying coverage for mental health and substance use treatment. These new regulations establish the accountability and enforcement needed to ensure mental health parity is implemented and upheld. #MentalHealthParity #BehavioralHealth #CaliforniaPolicy #AB988 #SB855