By Pamela Greenberg, MPP, President & CEO, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness.
As the nation continues to grapple with an escalating demand for mental health and substance use disorder care, the conversation surrounding behavioral health has shifted and evolved. The health care landscape has undergone significant scrutiny, with a particular focus on the concept of mental health and substance use disorder parity, or the equal treatment of mental health and substance use disorders in insurance plans to physical health conditions. While strides have been made to bridge the gap in mental health and substance use disorder care, significant challenges persist.
The Growing Need for Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Care
The call for equitable mental health and substance use disorder care has never been more urgent. Mental health and substance use conditions affect many millions of Americans, impacting their well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. The unprecedented events of the last few years have only exacerbated the mental health and substance use disorder crisis, underscoring the importance of comprehensive coverage and care.
According to the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW)’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity Survey, there is significant support for equal prioritization of mental health and substance use disorder care with physical health care. With 83% of those surveyed agreeing that fair access to mental health and substance use disorder services positively impacts overall health, we’re hopeful that this positive trend will continue to shape the efforts in the behavioral health space and spark real change. What’s more, it is encouraging to see that a majority (62%) of Americans say they now prioritize their mental health more than they have over the past five years, and more than one-third (39%) are willing to pay higher insurance costs for comprehensive mental health coverage.
However, there is concern that the recently proposed Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) federal rule, which would require health plans to make tremendously complex changes, could potentially have a negative impact on health outcomes and patient care quality, and increase the cost of care. Now, as awareness grows and stigma decreases, it is important that we continue to prioritize mental health and substance use disorder services in the health care system, and not do anything that might take a step backward.
Health Plans’ Role in Achieving Parity
There is a growing need for mental health and substance use disorder care, and health plans are actively working to improve behavioral health care and tackle it head on. With ongoing innovation and the implementation of new and expanded services and offerings, health plans strive to address the growing needs of the communities they serve.
For more than 15 years, ABHW has partnered with health plans to advance MHPAEA, ensuring affordable, high-quality mental health and substance use disorder services. ABHW recognizes the importance of working together to achieve true and lasting change, so we continue to engage policymakers and advocate for changes that make parity and quality, evidence-based behavioral health care a reality.
ABHW and its members are aligned with and committed to our mission of improving access and ensuring better health outcomes. Some solutions being implemented by ABHW members include:
- Expanding and diversifying networks of mental health and substance use disorder providers to ensure that individuals can get proper care when they need it.
- Integrating telehealth options to enhance accessibility.
- Launching educational campaigns to normalize discussions around mental health and substance use disorders.
- Facilitating connections and resource exchanges with individuals on their journey to recovery.
As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize that achieving a healthcare environment that provides high-quality, timely mental health and substance use disorder care to everyone who needs it requires a sustained and multifaceted effort that cannot be attained solely through parity. Although there have been significant strides in recent years, health plans must continue to work to address the systemic barriers that hinder access to quality behavioral health care, including workforce shortages and issues with fragmented care.
We must work to foster a culture of openness and understanding around mental health and substance use disorders, which can reduce stigma and promote behavioral health literacy. This will empower individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or discrimination, creating a society where mental health is valued and prioritized, and everyone can thrive.
The growing demand for mental health and substance use disorder treatment highlights the urgent need for the new proposed parity rules to not derail us from our shared vision. We all want the best for those in need of mental health and substance use disorder care. By working together, health plans, providers, consumers, employers, regulators, and advocates can advance parity in a realistic way, and create a health care landscape that prioritizes the total well-being of all individuals.
We are at the tipping point for making parity a reality, not just a promise. Let’s embrace this opportunity to transform the behavioral health landscape and build a healthier future for all.
