Researchers: Programs Neglect Behavioral Health

But many of the new state efforts to expand access to health coverage neglect behavioral health, the researchers contend.

Although many of the programs require parity between behavioral health and general medical benefits, patients also face problems with the scope of benefits, co-payment levels, prior approval requirements, and shortages of behavioral health professionals, the researchers report.

In addition, few states are including mental illness and addiction disorders in wellness and chronic disease management programs, researchers say.

Benefits for mental illness and addiction disorders vary especially widely for adults in state plans that cover the uninsured, the researchers report.

The researchers say the federal government can and should step in.

"Federal waivers have been a component of reform in approximately 75% of the states with implemented programs, highlighting the critical importance of federal policy in future state health care reform efforts," the researchers write.