For Harris, mental health access a key policy priority

In a significant move that underscores her commitment to improving the nation's healthcare system, Vice President Kamala Harris has reiterated her dedication to enhancing mental health care access for Americans. This stance, coupled with a series of proactive measures taken by the Biden-Harris administration, highlights a broader effort to address the long-standing issue of inadequate mental health services.

A Historical Context

Mental health parity has been a bipartisan priority for over 15 years. The landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was enacted in 2008, requiring health plans to provide mental health and substance use care benefits at the same level as physical health care benefits. Despite this legislation, many Americans still struggle to find and afford the mental health care they need. In 2020, less than half of all adults with mental illness received treatment, and nearly 70% of children who sought care for mental health or substance use could not get it.

Expanding Access

The Biden-Harris administration has taken significant steps to improve mental health care access. In September 2024, the administration announced a historic final rule that will ensure mental health care coverage for 175 million Americans is on par with their physical health care coverage. This rule places new requirements on health plans to evaluate their provider networks, out-of-network payment rates, and authorization processes to ensure they are not making it harder for individuals to access mental health and substance use benefits than medical benefits. The administration has also clarified what health plans can and cannot do, emphasizing that they cannot use more restrictive prior authorization techniques or narrower networks to limit access to mental health care.

Closing Loopholes

One of the key aspects of this final rule is the closure of existing loopholes. Initially, MHPAEA did not require non-federal governmental health plans to comply with its requirements. The new rule addresses this loophole by mandating compliance from more than 200 additional health plans, thereby providing critical protections to over 120,000 consumers. This move is part of the administration's broader effort to ensure that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their insurance status.

Funding for Mental Health Professionals

In addition to these regulatory changes, the administration has also announced substantial funding to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools. In January 2024, Vice President Harris announced $285 million in funding to help schools hire and train more than 14,000 school mental health professionals. This initiative is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which aims to address the critical need for mental health services in educational settings.

Prioritizing Youth Mental Health

The administration's focus on youth mental health is particularly noteworthy. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes provisions to support school districts in hiring and training mental health counselors, psychologists, and social workers. This investment is the largest in student mental health history, reflecting the administration's commitment to addressing the trauma and stress experienced by children due to gun violence and other factors.

Supporting Healthcare Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for mental health support among healthcare workers. In response, the administration has invested over $100 million to expand mental health resources for healthcare organizations. This funding includes support for evidence-based programs aimed at improving employee mental wellbeing and reducing burnout among healthcare professionals.

A Call to Action

Vice President Harris has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing mental health as a fundamental aspect of overall healthcare. She has urged hospital systems and administrators to take concrete steps to support the mental health of their employees, including eliminating policies that punish individuals for seeking help for mental health or addiction. The administration's efforts to transform how mental health is understood, perceived, and treated are aimed at ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

Conclusion

Mental health access is a key policy priority for Vice President Kamala Harris, reflecting a broader national effort to address the inadequacies in our current system. The Biden-Harris administration's regulatory changes, coupled with significant funding initiatives, demonstrate a commitment to making mental health care as accessible as physical health care. As the nation continues to grapple with the complexities of mental health, Harris's leadership stands out as a beacon of hope for those seeking better support and care.

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References Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Lowers Mental Health Care Costs. White House, September 9, 2024. White House Briefing Room Doctor Deems Harris in 'Excellent Health'. PBS NewsHour, October 12, 2024. PBS NewsHour Vice President Harris Announces $285 Million to Increase Mental Health Professionals in Schools. The American Presidency Project, January 11, 2024. The American Presidency Project Remarks by Vice President Harris on Mental Health and Wellness. White House, May 23, 2022. White House Briefing Room