Commissioner King Issues Nearly $25 Million in Fines for Mental Health Parity Violations

ATLANTA – In August of 2025, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced he would fine health insurance companies for violations of Georgia’s Mental Health Parity laws. Today, he delivers on that promise by issuing nearly $25 million in fines. 

“I said it before and I’ll say it again: insurance companies will not take advantage of consumers under my watch,” said Commissioner King. “These companies are not above the law, and I am taking definitive action to hold them accountable for denying Georgians the care they need.” 

The Mental Health Parity Act of Georgia, in coordination with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, requires that insurers provide coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in a manner comparable to that of physical health coverage. The Georgia Insurance Commissioner is tasked to oversee private insurer compliance with the law, including an annual in-depth review of insurer data, processes and strategies for benefit applications, and non-quantitative treatment limitations (NQTLs).

In compliance with Georgia law, the first mental health parity data call report was produced on August 15, 2023. Findings from the report triggered the OCI to conduct market conduct examinations against twenty-two insurers. Market conduct examinations are comprehensive, data intensive audits of an insurer’s business practices and often take several months or years to conduct based on the size of the company, complexity of the examination, and need for accurate results that stand up under legal scrutiny.

Companies are required to develop corrective action plans in conjunction with the OCI to swiftly bring them into compliance with mental health parity laws. If a company does not comply with their corrective action plan, they may be subject to additional enforcement measures.

“I want insurers to know that I am serious about the health and wellbeing of all Georgia consumers. I will not hesitate to take action against any company that continues to violate the law – no exceptions,” said Commissioner King.

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The mission of the Office Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.