Biden Administration Finalizes Rule to Strengthen Mental Health Coverage

New regulation aims to ensure mental health care is accessible and affordable for 175 million Americans with private insurance.

The rule updates the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, requiring equal coverage for mental and physical health care.
Health insurers must now evaluate and report on their mental health provider networks and payment structures.
Insurers are prohibited from using more restrictive prior authorizations for mental health care than for physical care.
The regulation closes a loophole, extending protections to state and local government health plans.
Critics argue the rule may increase costs for employer-sponsored health plans and enrollees.