Follow Mental Health Parity Rulemaking (R 2025-13).

E2SHB 1432 updates Washington's mental health parity law and ensures coverage of medically necessary care. It requires utilization and clinical review criteria to be consistent with generally accepted standards of mental health and substance use care, and incorporates the final federal rules related to the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), adopted in September 2024, into Washington state law.

Mental health parity 

State and federal mental health parity laws require that insurance coverage for mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, be no more restrictive than insurance coverage for other medical conditions.

Reporting requirements 

Insurers are required to submit Financial Requirement Certifications during the rate filing process.

All health insurers in Washington will be required to submit updated mental health parity reports starting in 2027. 

The updated requirements, instructions, and forms will be released by our office in 2026.

Federal laws and guidance