Ranking Member Scott Praises Biden-Harris Administration for Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

Statement

"Access to high-quality mental health care and substance use disorder treatment are essential to our overall health and well-being. Mental illnesses are closely linked to physical health problems, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, while, conversely, chronic physical illnesses can increase the risk of mental illnesses.

However, despite multiple bipartisan efforts to improve mental health and physical health care coverage parity, insurers too often make it difficult to access mental health treatment. As a result, millions of Americans seek care out-of-network at significantly higher costs and pay out of pocket or defer care altogether.

I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for taking action to improve mental health care coverage and improve access for more than 150 million Americans. The new rule will require health plans make changes when they are providing inadequate access to mental health care. Moreover, the rule clarifies what health plans can and cannot do and it closes existing loopholes. The effect of these rules will mean more people will use their mental health care, people will have a better understanding of the coverage they have, and it will likely incentivize more people to join the mental health workforce.

The President is delivering on his promise to expand access to affordable, quality health care, and I look forward to continuing to build on this work in Congress."

Source