Each October is recognized as Substance Use Prevention Month and National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), is highlighting resources to help people use their insurance for behavioral and mental health care.
Accessing mental health services can be difficult due to stigma, confusion about coverage, costs, and finding appropriate providers. Michael Conway, Colorado Insurance Commissioner, stated, “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And just like physical health care, it’s important to be able to access preventative services. The Division has a number of resources to help Coloradans understand their insurance and get the care they need.”
The DOI provides information on understanding mental health insurance benefits, how to find a provider using insurance, and additional resources through its website. Federal and state laws require that insurance companies cover mental and behavioral health conditions in the same way as other medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease—a requirement known as “Mental Health Parity.” This means cost-sharing amounts like copays or deductibles must be equal for both types of care. It also limits restrictions on the amount or type of treatment covered and addresses utilization management tools such as step therapy requirements.
Colorado law protects patients from having to try less expensive treatments before accessing what their doctor recommends for many benefits. Requiring prior authorization for behavioral health treatment when it is not needed for similar medical treatments may violate parity rules. Networks should include enough in-network providers for necessary services; coverage details also consider out-of-network options and geographic location.
For more details about these issues or if consumers have questions about their insurance coverage—including provider shortages, benefit limitations, communication problems, or denied claims—they are encouraged to contact the Colorado Division of Insurance Consumer Services Team by phone at 303-894-7490 or email at DORA_Insurance@state.co.us via doi.colorado.gov.
The DOI regulates the insurance industry in Colorado and helps consumers with related concerns. DORA works toward maintaining marketplace integrity while promoting consumer protection across the state.
