Health insurance companies facing greater scrutiny in Massachusetts

Health Insurance premiums rise

Mental illness coverage will be a considerable focus for the state’s law and its enforcement. Mental health insurance has become a very hot topic, as seven different insurers have now reached settlements to pay consumers and the state for their failure to meet the legal coverage requirements in Massachusetts. The most recent of these settlements has spawned a greater effort by the Attorney General to solve the issue. Martha Coakley, the Attorney General, has taken inspiration from the health insurance settlements over mental illness coverage, and has now issued a…

Read More

Ruling in California could help those with mental illnesses obtain higher levels of insurance coverage

California may see new insurance rules regarding coverage and mental health as judges reach a verdict regarding the issue. Earlier this year, Jeanne Harlick of Northern California was denied coverage for her anorexia treatment. Anorexia, an eating disorder, is designated as a mental illness in accordance with Californian law. The denial led Harlick to file a suit against her insurance company, Blue Shield Blue Cross. A panel of judges from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Harlick, citing her long struggle with anorexia and…

Read More