May 09, 2022
Mental Health Matters: Parity in Treatments
BY Sandy Lender
In our continuing discussion of mental health wellness, AsphaltPro magazine applauds the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and U.S. Department of Health of Human Services (DHHS) looking into compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
May 3, DOL Secretary Marty Walsh and DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra met with health insurance and business leaders to discuss this topic and to look at the adequacy (or lack thereof) of in-network providers for mental health and substance use disorder treatment during the pandemic.
MHPAEA is a federal law. In general, it requires health insurance providers to cover mental health and substance use disorder benefits in the same way the providers cover other medical or surgical health benefits.
“Without true parity for mental and behavioral health services, we have no hope of transforming mental health and helping to reduce stigma and increase access to care,” Becerra said.
The secretaries met with industry leaders in a constructive dialogue, with commitments from attendees to continue to engage on these issues.
For more information about assisting your workforce with mental health wellness, you can begin with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). Also take a moment to join the nation in observing Mental Health Awareness Month.