The links below will take you to more detailed information on some of the issues that LIRA is dealing with on an ongoing basis. Parity: Understanding The Issue For those suffering from alcohol and other drug dependency ... parity means that the same resources directed toward other medical conditions will be available to address substance abuse. Parity requires health insurance carriers to cover mental health and addiction treatment services the same as other health services. Read more. Why Parity Makes Fiscal Sense The attitude toward addiction has led to discrimination in many ways, particularly when it comes to health insurance coverage for treatment. We know that addiction is a disease, yet we still have not integrated it into the health insurance system in a way that is meaningful. People run out of benefits too early due to limits, caps or subjective management of benefits. Read more. Timothy's Law LIRA worked feverishly for over 3 years in support of Timothy’s Law and despite our relentless efforts a compromise was reached which excluded coverage for addiction treatment. While we are pleased that progress was made and those with mental health issues, including MICA (dual diagnosis) have gained additional coverage, we will continue to do battle to gain equality for chemically dependent people. Read more. Sober Homes Significant progress has been made on the sober house front since LIRA first identified this as an area of concern back in 2000. LIRA has partnered with the Quality Consortium of Suffolk County (QCSC) the Addiction Treatment Providers Association (ATPA) and Long Island Congregations Associations and Neighborhoods (LICAN) seeking to implement quality standards for sober homes. During the past 2 years major advances have been made. Read more. Federal Parity Update 3/15/08 During Recent developments on the federal parity bill front appear to have the House of Representatives and the Senate headed for a showdown that should ultimately lead to a conference committee later this fall to resolve differences between the two bills.. Read more.