This overview of findings shows that access to outpatient mental health services improved, and consumer spending declined. Health plans relied on managed care to contain costs, and spending did not rise substantially.

This study looks at the first two to three years of parity for mental health and substance abuse benefits in Vermont and concludes that parity was achieved in the state. Increased use of managed care helped make parity affordable but may have reduced access and utilization for some services and...

This overview of findings shows that access to outpatient mental health services improved, and consumer spending declined. Health plans relied on managed care to contain costs, and spending did not rise substantially.

Many of the findings from this analysis of employer responses to the parity law run counter to popular perceptions. Even though many employer organizations are wary of mental health and substance abuse parity, most Vermont employers were satisfied with the parity law overall. Employers did not...