FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 09, 2024
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
Biden-Harris Administration Issues Final Rule to Strengthen Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care
(Washington, DC) – Today, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury issued final rules regarding the Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the Mental Health Parity and the Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) which strengthens access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
This monumental win is vital to the well-being of millions of Americans. When the MHPAEA proposed rule was initially announced Young Invincibles submitted a comment letter in support, with signatures from over 700 young adults and partner organizations. The letter highlighted the mental health crisis young people are experiencing and applauded this important effort by the administration to improve mental health coverage.
As a result of these final rules, insurance companies will have to reevaluate their mental health provider networks and how providers are reimbursed. Furthermore, they will have to change their prior authorization processes for mental health, so as to not make them a barrier to accessing care for patients. Young Invincibles celebrates this victory and is thrilled to see those living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders finally get the life-saving care they need.
In response, Martha Sanchez, Director of Health Care Policy and Advocacy at Young Invincibles said:
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. These new rules are a crucial step forward in expanding access to comprehensive mental health services. For far too long, this vital coverage has been out of reach due to skyrocketing costs, complex barriers, and insurance companies failing to provide affordable options and adequate provider networks. With one-third of young adults aged 18-25 and one-in-five adults experiencing a mental health condition, reducing costs for these services will greatly benefit young people nationwide.
Accessing mental health care should be as easy and affordable as seeing a primary care physician for routine health needs. We are excited to continue to work with the Administration, Congress, and external partners to ensure that anyone can access the care they need.”
###
Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org