Parity, Schmarity!

President George W. Bush signed the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA), also known as the Parity Act, into law on October 3, 2008. Subsequently, many states have enacted state level parity laws. All were done with great promises and intentions; however, I dare say that these laws have never truly been enforced, and it is one of the biggest government failures in improving access to addiction and mental health treatment. It is also a missed opportunity to bring necessary revenue into the system without increasing government aid.