This white paper by Milliman Inc. analyzes the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, focusing on effects of the parity legislation on individuals, health care plans, managed behavioral health care organizations (MHBOs) and other key stakeholders. 

From the report:

The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) put in place last fall was not only an unprecedented bailout of the banking system; it also contained an amendment that will cause major changes in health insurance. Starting this October, most health plan renewals must offer coverage for behavioral disorders on par with physical coverage. Historically, many insurance plans and employers have limited coverage for behavioral disorders, often by using benefit designs that differed greatly from physical coverage. The outlook for how these new rules will affect the industry covers a wide spectrum, but one thing is certain: group health plans and employers must begin preparing for parity now.

Full report: Preparing for Parity: Investing in Mental Health (PDF | 96.05 KB)  

Milliman Inc. (2009). Preparing for parity: investing in mental health. Melek, S.