Healthcare Leaders Clash on Mental Health Parity Final Rule

The Biden-Harris administration’s final rule for mental health coverage has divided opinion among healthcare stakeholders. The rule, based on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, aims to increase transparency and streamlines the parity for both physical and mental healthcare. It’s been lauded by the American Medical Association, but payers such as AHIP and Blue Cross Blue Shield argue it will increase costs and compromise access to mental health treatment. Some elements of the rule will be enforced from 2025.