A survey of state insurance mandates covering alcohol and other drug treatment.

This article reports the results of a survey of health insurance mandate legislation for alcohol and other drug treatment in the 50 states through spring 1991. A total of 23 states (including the District of Columbia) requires insurance carriers to provide coverage for alcohol and other drug treatment. This paper compares the provisions in these states at the present time and contrasts these provisions with those in effect in 1981. The paper concludes with a discussion of the policy objectives states pursue through enactment of such legislation and the outcomes brought about by the mandates.