FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 1999 CONTACT: Edmund Byrnes (202) 606-2402 edbyrnes@opm.gov WHITE HOUSE DIRECTS OPM TO ACHIEVE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE HEALTH COVERAGE PARITY Washington, DC -- President Clinton, in his address today at the White House Conference on Mental Health, directed the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to achieve parity for mental health and substance abuse coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) by 2001. I believe that OPM, in cooperation with these health plans, can demonstrate that mental health and substance abuse parity can be achieved at an affordable price, said Clinton. The goal is to make plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse care identical to traditional medical care with regard to deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and day and visit limitations. In response, OPM Director Janice R. Lachance issued a letter to over 285 participating health plans enlisting their support. The FEHBP is by far the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the country, covering about 9 million people including federal employees, retirees and their families. Affordable and fair health care coverage is vital for those suffering physically or mentally, said Lachance. OPM will work with the health plans to introduce managed behavioral health care components that incorporate proven techniques such as case management, authorized treatment plans, provider networks using effective screening and referral procedures, pre-certification and disease management. Because of its size and the large number of participating health plans, the President noted that the FEHBP is in a unique position to serve as a model for other employers and for the insurance industry. Over the past several years, the FEHBP has been moving toward mental health and substance abuse parity. OPM has eliminated lifetime and annual maximums in the Program, and negotiated with plans to move away from contractual day and visit limitations and high deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for mental health coverage. For 1999, pharmacotherapy, medical visits and testing to monitor drug treatment for mental conditions were covered as pharmaceutical disease management. Given recent advances in treatment and related factors, the President is confident that parity in the Governments health insurance program for federal employees, retirees and their families can be achieved affordably through appropriate care management. -END-

Web page updated 15 June 1999