On February 2, 2010, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Employee Benefits Security Administration of the Department of Labor (DOL), (collectively referred to as the Departments), released interim final rules implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA).

The interim final regulations go into effect on April 5, 2010 and replace regulations implementing previous law. Health plans and group health insurance plans generally must begin complying with the interim final regulations for health plan years that begin on or after July 1, 2010. The effective date may be later for some collectively-bargained plans. Comments on the interim final regulations may be submitted to CMS, the agency designated to accept them, and must be received no later than May 3, 2010.