Consumer advisory: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES, DIVISION OF INSURANCE
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Every year, May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. In support of this effort, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), is letting Coloradans know that the Division is a resource to help with their insurance issues around mental health.

Accessing mental health care is often a challenge - from the shortage of health providers to the difficulties in navigating insurance companies’ networks of providers. And of course there is the hesitancy of many to even seek care, due to the stigma that some people may associate with mental health. 

“Getting mental health care can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The Division of Insurance works to ensure people are not running into barriers with their health plans,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, so if you encounter problems with your health insurance company, the Division is here to help.” 

Mental Health Parity and Insurance

The DOI has developed resources for Coloradans who have questions about how their insurance works with behavioral and mental health services, particularly around the issue of Mental Health Parity. Federal and Colorado law requires that health insurance companies cover services for mental and behavioral health conditions the same way they cover other medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease - this is called “parity.” Parity is about equal and fair treatment for people who need mental and behavioral health care.

Visit our website on Mental / Behavioral Health and Insurance to learn more. 

Contact the Colorado Division of Insurance Consumer Services Team with any questions or problems you have with your health insurance as you or your family members access mental health care, including questions about: information from your health insurance company, lack of mental health providers, limiting of benefits or services, lack of communication and denied claims.

Colorado DOI Consumer Services Team: 303-894-7490 / [email protected] / doi.colorado.gov (click on “file a complaint”) 

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