In 2008, a law was passed that health insurance plans that include mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder coverage must treat those services comparable to physical health services.

This doesn't mean that every plan will cover mental health. It means that every plan that has mental health coverage must treat it the same as it does physical health coverage.

Check your plan coverage to see if you have mental health benefits. Your specific benefits will vary by state, provider and plan. If you seek mental health, behavioral health or substance use disorder services, keep this in mind when comparing plans.

If you have mental health coverage, benefits start the day your plan starts. Pre-existing conditions are covered and spending limits are not allowed.

While mental health parity exists, you should know there are limits on par with physical health services:

• Financial. There are co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket limits.
• Treatment. There may be a limited number of days or visits covered.
• Care management. Pre-authorization for services may be required before obtaining treatment.

For more information on mental health support, visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/.

Health insurance expert and President of Government Relations for GTL, Marianne Eterno, joins host Melanie Cole to discuss what you need to know about mental health coverage.