WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday announced new rules meant to push insurance companies to increase their coverage of mental health treatments.
The new regulations, which still need to go through a public comment period, would require insurers to study whether their customers have equal access to medical and mental health benefits and to take remedial action, if necessary. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires that insurers provide the same level of coverage for both mental and physical health care — though the administration and advocates argue insurers' policies restrict patient access.
The rules, if finalized, would force insurers to study patient outcomes to ensure the benefits are administered equally, taking into account their provider network and reimbursement rates and whether prior authorization is required for care.
“Too many Americans still struggle to find and afford the care they need,” the White House said in an emailed statement.
The Democratic president's administration said it's aiming to address issues such as insurers enabling nutritional counseling for diabetes patients but making it more difficult for those with eating disorders.
By measuring outcomes, the White House said, it will force insurers to make modifications to come into compliance with the law.
More Covid-era benefits are ending.
The Supreme Court justices are taking the bench for the first time since June in a new session.
President Joe Biden signed a spending bill late Saturday night after a last-ditch bipartisan deal to avoid a government shutdown.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY's List, to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who passed away last week.
Former President Donald Trump denounced the civil fraud case over his business practices as a politically motivated “scam” as he arrived defiantly for a trial in the lawsuit, which could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.
Memorial services for California Sen. Dianne Feinstein are now set.
Stocks fell to open the new week and a new month despite a bipartisan deal at the 11th hour to avoid a government shutdown.
McCarthy passed a temporary spending bill with Democratic support, enraging Gaetz and other far-right members whose demands for spending cuts were a nonstarter with the Senate and President Joe Biden.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom fulfilled his pledge to appoint a Black woman if Dianne Feinstein’s seat became open. The long-serving Democratic senator died Thursday after a series of illnesses.
Police seized computers and cellphones during searches of the Marion County Record's office and the home of its publisher in August.
