A Biden administration proposal, if finalized, may trigger a re-evaluation of coverage for mental health benefits by major company sponsors of health plans. This is according to several national groups representing employers who expressed their views in recent public comments on the proposed regulations. A particular point of contention are the proposed rules from the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
The proposed rules, titled RIN 1210-AC11, have been met with criticism from groups like the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) and others representing employers and health insurers. Among their criticisms are the calls for detailed evaluations to ensure compliance with the MHPAEA.
These evaluations, the critics argue, could induce employers to instead limit or reduce the mental health benefits in their health plans to avoid potential increased scrutiny and enforcement actions. This they fear, could inadvertently undermine efforts to extend mental health support to employees at a much-needed time. Comments filed by ERIC and other representatives have attracted attention, part of over 9,000 public comments filed concerning the proposed regulations.
This wave of concern from employers and health insurers underscores the intricate balancing act required in achieving mental health parity while preserving uninterrupted coverage provision by health plan sponsors.
You can read more about these developments from the original report in Bloomberg Law.