ERIC Launches Ads Opposing Updates To Mental Health Parity Regs

The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), a major employer group, is launching an advertising campaign to oppose recent updates to mental health parity requirements made by the Biden administration. According to ERIC, the proposed changes could have negative implications for employers and potentially worsen access to mental health care for Americans.

ERIC's senior vice president of health policy, Melissa Bartlett, expressed concern that the regulatory updates could force employers to reconsider their coverage options. "While we agree that improving access to mental health care is crucial, these proposed changes could have unintended consequences that hinder progress," Bartlett said in a press release.

The Biden administration's updates to mental health parity requirements were issued jointly by the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury last summer. Proposed changes include reviews of provider networks and additional restrictions on prior authorization for behavioral health.

Despite the opposition from ERIC, health plans have also expressed concerns about the regulatory changes.

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A major employer group is launching an ad campaign to oppose significant updates made by the Biden administration to mental health parity requirements.