This paper provides an annotated bibliography of four articles that discuss various issues relating to mental health care. Specifically, they discuss various aspects of parity laws as they relate to the provision of mental healthcare. The annotated bibliography gives a brief summary of each article. Besides, it offers a reflection and an evaluation of how the articles address the issue. McConnell, J. K. (2013). The Effect of Parity on Expenditures for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness. Health Services Research, 48 (5), 1634-1652. In this article, McConnell seeks to determine whether parity laws influence the expenditure of people who have severe mental illnesses. He notes the current trends where there has been an increase in the formulation of parity laws, especially through the enactment of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which became effective in 2010 (McConnell, 2013). The article takes a comprehensive approach by analyzing the rationale behind parity laws and further by questioning their effectiveness in helping victims of mental illnesses (McConnell, 2013). It acknowledges parity laws that were enacted in Oregon in 2007 as a case study to determine the effects of such laws. He compares the expenditures of individuals who are exempted and/or covered by the laws. McConnell’s study offers important insights into an area that scholars have overlooked or under-researched concerning the effects of parity laws on the expenditure of people who have severe mental illnesses. His focus on SMI is indeed insightful and a break from other researchers who have not specifically targeted this group in society. The study uses difference-in-differences and difference-in-difference-in-differences analyses as its research designs. These methodologies are very relevant, especially in comparing and estimating spending changes. Hence, they form a significant part of determining the results of the study. The study is a revelation to the understanding of the effect of parity laws on expenditure among people with SMIs. The information and results of the study are very relevant. The findings have opened the path towards more research on this field. The study can be used as a benchmark for the legislation of future parity laws. Besides, it offers a stepping-stone towards more research by people who are interested in advancing knowledge in this field. Ostrow, L., & Manderscheid, R. (2009). Medicare Mental Health Parity: A High Potential Change that is Long Overdue. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 37 (3), 285-290. The focus of this article by Ostrow and Manderscheid is on the various policy changes that have occurred with reference to mental health parity. Ostrow and Manderscheid claim that these changes are a move in the right direction and that they will influence equity by promoting adequate care to Medicare-covered people who have various mental health needs (Ostrow & Manderscheid, 2009). The paper begins by giving essential statistics relating to mental health in the US. It goes on to discuss how the welfare of this group was covered in the previous policies. It is evident that the group was initially disadvantaged. However, under the new po