A resource for navigating insurance reimbursement for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT)

Download the complete brief here.

BrainFutures is committed to advancing equitable access to innovative, evidence-based treatments that support overall mental health and wellbeing. Our brief, “A Path Toward Parity: Ensuring Equitable Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,” focuses on the critical intersection between the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), offering insights into how this law can help pave the way for comprehensive insurance coverage and access to PAT for those who stand to benefit.

MHPAEA represents a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at eliminating disparities in mental health care coverage. By mandating that health plans apply the same standards to behavioral health benefits as those used for medical and surgical benefits, MHPAEA holds the potential to break down barriers and ensure that individuals receive the support and treatments they need.

Despite the promise of PAT and the protections offered by the MHPAEA, numerous barriers still persist, as outlined in recent studies that show the continued stark contrast in insurance coverage between mental health and medical services, hindering widespread, equitable access. In our brief, we explore common parity violations that may arise once an FDA-approved PAT enters the market and provide practical guidance on navigating these challenges.

As interest in PAT continues to surge and promising clinical and research trials unfold across the US and abroad, it’s crucial for policymakers, insurers, and mental healthcare providers to come together in support of equitable access for patients. A Path Toward Parity, alongside our other PAT resources, provides information they need to ensure costs and other barriers to access do not come between patients and these potentially life-changing treatments.

BrainFutures is grateful to the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Darla Moore Foundation, the Cammack Family Charitable Gift Fund, and an anonymous donor for making this project possible.