Study: parity that includes SA does not spur utilization, cost.(substance abuse)

Arguably the nation's most comprehensive insurance parity implementation for behavioral health conditions has been found to have had little independent effect on service utilization or costs. The research team that analyzed the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program's (FEHB's) parity requirement included in its work a focused analysis of substance abuse parity, confirming in its findings that substance abuse can be included in parity mandates without breaking the bank.

Researchers led by Howard H. Goldman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, published their findings in the March 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. This analysis could go a long way toward defusing the arguments of some insurance and business …