President Joe Biden’s administration on Tuesday announced new regulations that push insurers to increase coverage for mental health treatments.
The new rules, which still need to go through a public comment phase, will require insurers to research whether their customers have equal access to medical and mental health benefits and take corrective action, if needed. The Mental Health and Addiction Equality Act of 1996 requires insurance companies to provide equal coverage for both mental and physical health care — although the administration and advocates argue that insurers’ policies limit patient access.
The rules, if finalized, would force insurers to study patient outcomes to ensure benefits are administered equally, taking into account their provider networks and reimbursement rates and whether prior authorization is required for care.
“Too many Americans are still struggling to find and pay for the care they need,” the White House said in an emailed statement.
The Democratic president’s administration says it aims to tackle issues like insurance companies allowing nutrition counseling for diabetics but making it more difficult for people with eating disorders.
The White House said by measuring the results, it would force insurers to make amendments to comply with the law.
