Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) has introduced the Mental Health Parity Enforcement and Funding Act, legislation designed to strengthen federal enforcement of requirements that health plans cover mental health and substance use disorder services at parity with physical health care. The bill would authorize civil monetary penalties for certain violations and give the U.S. Department of Labor additional resources to support oversight and enforcement. The proposal builds on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which requires health plans to provide equitable coverage for behavioral and physical health services. Stronger enforcement could help people access the mental health and substance use disorder care they need without facing unfair coverage restrictions or additional barriers.
URAC supports efforts that advance accountability and improve access to high-quality mental health and substance use disorder care. URAC’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Accreditation helps organizations evaluate their practices, strengthen compliance and demonstrate a sustained commitment to parity.
- Read more about the Act here
- Learn about URAC’s Mental Health Parity Accreditation here
