Press Release – April 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2026

HARTFORD, CT - The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) is highlighting findings from its recently released 2026 Nonquantitative Treatment Limitation (NQTL) Annual Report, which assesses whether health insurance carriers are complying with state and federal mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 38a-477ee, health insurers are required to demonstrate that coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services is comparable to medical and surgical benefits. Carriers must submit annual data to CID, which the Department reviews to evaluate practices such as prior authorization, reimbursement methodologies, and provider network standards.

CID's review includes a comparative analysis of how these practices are designed, applied in operation, and reflected in outcome data across benefit categories. The Department assesses whether mental health and substance use benefits are implemented in a manner comparable to medical and surgical benefits.

The Department identified areas where improvements are needed to meet parity standards across multiple carriers. Key findings include gaps in documentation supporting how coverage decisions are made, differences in access to behavioral health network access, and reimbursement approaches that did not meet comparability standards. The report also highlights the need for improved use of outcome data to identify and address differences and ensure compliance.

Based on these findings, and as part of its ongoing market conduct review, CID has initiated enforcement actions against Aetna, Anthem, ConnectiCare, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare in accordance with Connecticut law. The Department is actively engaging with each carrier through established processes to address identified concerns and ensure compliance with state and federal parity requirements.

Penalties will be determined based on the nature, severity, and duration of violations, as well as prior compliance history, and will be finalized through established administrative enforcement processes. The Department may take additional regulatory action, as necessary.

"Mental health and substance use disorders are a fundamental part of a person's overall health and wellbeing," said Governor Ned Lamont. "Connecticut remains committed to strong parity laws that ensure these essential benefits are covered fairly and consistently. This report has identified areas where improvements are needed and highlights the importance of continued efforts to strengthen compliance. The findings make it clear there is more work to do, and the Insurance Department will hold carriers accountable through corrective action plans that deliver real, measurable improvements for Connecticut residents."

"Under state and federal parity laws, mental health and substance use disorder benefits must be treated the same as medical and surgical benefits," said Insurance Commissioner Joshua Hershman. "This report shows that while progress has been made, continued work is needed to ensure full compliance. We will continue to use data and enforcement to ensure that consumers have fair access to the behavioral health care they need."

CID will require corrective action plans from affected carriers and will continue monitoring compliance through ongoing reporting and targeted reviews. Findings from this report will also inform future regulatory efforts, including data calls and market conduct examinations.

The full 2026 Nonquantitative Treatment Limitation Annual Report is available on the Connecticut Insurance Department website.

Consumers with questions or concerns about their coverage may contact the CID Consumer Affairs Division at [email protected] or 860-297-3900.

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Contact: Mary Quinn
Communications Director
[email protected]
Cell: (959) 529-4904