OIMHP

OIMHP stands for robust enforcement of federal and state mental health parity laws in Oregon. Increased reimbursement rates for all mental health providers in keeping with parity. Reimbursement rates sufficient to build strong in-network provider panels that improve access to mental health treatment. Insurance policies and procedures that do not discriminate against and stigmatize Oregon citizens with mental health conditions. OIMHP does this in support of all mental health professionals in Oregon.​

Why the need for OIMHP?
Federal and state laws require health insurance companies to treat mental health and medical services equally, however this is not often case. True mental health parity remains elusive both in Oregon and nationwide.

Mental health professionals are often underpaid and over-managed by health insurers compared to medical providers. While medical providers receive higher reimbursements and less interference in billing practices, mental health professionals face managed care regulations that restrict reimbursement and service delivery.

Mental health professionals typically work in private individual and group practices and lack access to state lobbyists. Unlike some medical providers with larger group practices and hospital affiliations. This disparity underscores the need for stronger political advocacy to enforce mental health parity laws. OIMHP has been at the forefront of this need. 

What has OIMHP accomplished?
Significant achievements have been made, including the passage of SB 860 in 2017 and HB 3046 in 2021, signed into law by Governor Kate Brown. These laws exposed non-parity practices and created a mandate for rigorous Oregon state regulatory enforcement.

OIMHP's success is due to coordinated grassroots advocacy and expert legislative input from its members. Members such as psychologist and legislative committee member Patrick Mooney, and WOMHA's Board President Melissa Todd. Melissa Todd's continued role on the Oregon state regulator’s Rule Making Advisory Committee ensures the proper implementation of HB 3046. Countering ongoing attempts by health insurance representatives to weaken its regulations.

We must collectively engage in robust political advocacy to ensure our voices are heard and our services are fairly compensated.