We walk you through the MHPAEA step-by-step, answering the questions such as: what is the MHPAEA, who does it apply to, and how does it apply to smoking cessation benefits. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) was created to bring insured healthcare benefits for mental health and substance use disorders in line with those for medical/surgical benefits. This FAQ informs plan sponsors, health plans, and their advisors of the MHPAEA compliance requirements with a specific focus on smoking cessation benefits.