President Joe Biden is set to propose a new rule aimed at ensuring mental health parity in insurance. The proposed rule would require insurance providers to update health plans to ensure that mental health benefits are on par with physical health benefits. This move is an effort to fulfill the promise of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The rule would require insurers to evaluate coverage based on several benchmarks, such as the provider network, out-of-network coverage payments, and prior authorization requirements. The goal is to identify areas where plans are falling short in providing mental health care and hold them accountable to the standards of the rule.
The enforcement of this rule would fall under the jurisdiction of the departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services. This new rule aims to make enforcement easier and clearer, ensuring that health plans comply with the requirements of mental health parity. It is part of Biden’s broader focus on addressing mental health disparities and achieving full parity between mental and physical health care.
The proposed rule also aims to close a loophole that exempted federally provided health insurance plans from complying with the MHPAEA. By doing so, the administration estimates that over 200 additional health plans would be required to enhance mental health care for approximately 90,000 consumers. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register next week, entering a 60-day public comment period before it can take effect.
This announcement aligns with Biden’s commitment to providing Americans with the mental health services they need. The president has called for more accessible mental health care and full parity between mental and physical health care. By ensuring mental health benefits are on par with physical health benefits, this proposed rule aims to relieve the financial burden many families face when paying out of pocket for mental health care, despite having health insurance.
Overall, the proposed rule seeks to address and improve mental health care access and equality, bringing attention to the importance of mental well-being alongside physical health. By enforcing mental health parity, the administration aims to bridge the gap and provide support to those in need. The rule will play a crucial role in ensuring that mental health receives the same level of coverage and support as physical health, ultimately creating a more equitable healthcare system for all.
