WASHINGTON – Health insurers will be required to cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment the same as any other medical condition under a landmark final rule announced by the Biden administration on Monday. While most provisions will take effect in 2025, some will be phased in by 2026.
“There is no reason that breaking your arm should be treated differently than having a mental health condition. The steps my Administration is taking today will dramatically expand access to mental health care in America,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
This new rule closes gaps in the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which mandates health plans to provide mental health and substance use benefits at the same level as physical health care. When MHPAEA was enacted, it did not require non-federal governmental health plans, like those offered to state and local government employees, to comply with its requirements.
“Mental health care is health care. But for far too many Americans, critical care and treatments are out of reach. Today, my Administration is taking action to address our nation’s mental health crisis by ensuring mental health coverage will be covered at the same level as other health care for Americans,” Biden said.
According to several news sources including Politico, the new ruling is expected to face legal challenges from the industry.