CHIPP Act

The Children's Health Insurance Program Parity for Mental Health and Addiction Act of 2021, also known as Bill 118 hr 4771 or the CHIPP Act, aims to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for children enrolled in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill seeks to ensure that these children receive the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services as they do for other medical services.

Specifically, the CHIPP Act requires state CHIP programs to cover mental health and substance use disorder services at parity with medical and surgical services. This means that children enrolled in CHIP will have access to a range of mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including counseling, therapy, and medication, without facing higher out-of-pocket costs or stricter limitations on coverage.

The bill also includes provisions to improve coordination between CHIP programs and state mental health and substance use disorder agencies, as well as requirements for data reporting and monitoring to ensure that children are receiving the services they need. Overall, the CHIPP Act aims to address the disparities in access to mental health and substance use disorder services for children enrolled in CHIP, and to ensure that these children receive the care they need to thrive.