MICHIGAN (WNEM) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put pen to paper on a new piece of legislation requiring insurers to cover mental health and substance abuse at the same level they cover physical health services.

It’s the first mental health parity law that mirrors the federal Mental Health Parity and Addictions Act of 2008.

Whitmer calls the bill a common sense, bipartisan plan that will stop providers from avoiding covering these essential services.

”The impact of this bill will have a just tremendous impact and affect on people across our state,” said Sen. Sarah Anthony.

The new bill means providers can no longer place greater deductibles, co-pays, or out of pocket maximums on mental health coverage plans.

“Stigma has negatively influenced the health care that is provided to those who are labeled as mentally ill or addicted,” said Marianne Huff, president of the Mental Health Association of Michigan.

The new law aims to close loopholes and ensure Michiganders get the resources they need.

“Senate Bill 27 achieves parity by requiring insurance to cover benefits and substantiate the same manner, with the same classification as medical and surgical benefits,” Whitmer said.

The bill is sponsored by Anthony who said it will bring equity to the state.

“Aligns our federal standards and guidelines, something that, it shouldn’t have taken this long to do. But it helps our – this team and others to actually administer these types of services equitably,” Anthony said.

Since taking office, Whitmer has put a focus on mental health services by investing and expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare, opening a new psychiatric hospital, and signing budgets and new bills that have brought mental health professionals and resources to schools in abundance while also finding ways to increase those professionals’ pay.

Whitmer said it’s a reality she’s happy to be a part of.

“Mental health is just as important as our physical health. The good news is that mental health continues to be de-stigmatized and people are more open about sharing their challenges and seeking treatment,” she said.

Senate Bill 27 passed both chambers with large bipartisan support.

There is another bill looking to address mental health coverage being discussed in the state House. That bill would require companies to provide coverage for medically necessary treatments of mental health issues.

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