The State of New Jersey announced that over 200,000 public workers will receive improved insurance that will cover alcoholism and drug addiction. A committee comprised of state and union officials have deemed the new enhanced insurance as part of “mental health parity.” The new insurance will cover addiction in the same manner as mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 9Governor Christie’s office announced that more than 217,000 current and retired workers enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program will be affected by the new coverage. The insurance coverage applies to state, county and local government employees and those working at New Jersey’s public colleges and universities.

This is great news for mental health addiction. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 is a federal law that protects a group health plan’s mental health and/or substance use coverage benefits. The measure was to ensure that mental health and physical health be treated the same. Seabrook will continue to support those that do the right thing when it comes to parity. To read more on Seabrook’s stand on parity, please read our press releases.