Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

Consumer Protections

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Parity in the FEHB Program

OPM has taken the lead in making mental health coverage more affordable and accessible for all Federal employees.

Parity in the FEHB Program means that benefits coverage for plan mental health, substance abuse, medical, surgical, and hospital providers have the same limitations and cost-sharing such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Historically, health plans have applied higher patient cost-sharing and shorter day and visit limits to mental health and substance abuse services than they did to services for physical illness, injury, or disease.

Beginning January 1, 2001, this practice stopped in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program when patients use FEHB plan providers and follow a treatment regime approved by their plan.

• Frequently Asked Questions.