Bill Overview
Title: Closing Health Coverage Gaps for Public Servants Act of 2022
Description: This bill eliminates the ability for nonfederal governmental group health plans to opt out of certain coverage requirements, such as parity in providing benefits for mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
Sponsors: Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45]
Target Audience
Population: People insured under nonfederal governmental group health plans
Estimated Size: 40000000
- The bill targets nonfederal governmental group health plans, which are plans provided by state and local governments for their employees.
- Public servants employed by state and local governments in the United States are those likely insured under these plans.
- Nonfederal employees would include state employees, teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other municipal workers.
- The legislation focuses on mental health and substance use disorder benefits, indicating its impact would be on employees who need mental health or substance use disorder treatment.
- As the bill targets health coverage gaps, it directly affects those who are underinsured or have less comprehensive coverage in these areas.
Reasoning
- The target population consists of public servants such as teachers, police officers, and state employees who are part of state and local government health plans.
- The policy will primarily impact those among this population who require mental health or substance use disorder treatments, as it mandates that these benefits receive parity with other medical benefits.
- Only a subset of the 20 million state and local government employees will need these specific health services. Additionally, family members covered under these plans could be affected.
- The $1 billion budget in the first year suggests a significant yet focused impact on mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
- The population also includes those who may not currently have coverage for these conditions, potentially increasing their access to necessary healthcare services.
Simulated Interviews
Public High School Teacher (Sacramento, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to comprehensive mental health benefits is really important for my family. My eldest child has been dealing with anxiety issues, and it's been hard finding affordable care through our current plan.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
State Government IT Specialist (Austin, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to know mental health and substance abuse issues are being taken seriously. The cost of treatment has been daunting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Police Officer (Nashville, TN)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great initiative. My partner at work, who was dealing with PTSD, would have really benefited from it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Firefighter (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've considered therapy sessions but wasn't sure how well it would be covered. This policy makes me feel more secure in seeking help if needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Bus Driver (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is comforting to know there would be support available for mental stress. My daughter is concerned about my welfare, especially with my job.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
State Park Ranger (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I probably won't need these benefits, having them there provides peace of mind. It's good to know they care about our mental wellness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Public Library Technician (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s reassuring knowing this oversight might now address mental wellness, which has always felt neglected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
City Clerk (Denver, CO)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This type of policy brings a positive note to my nearing retirement. It's more for others in need, and I support it even if it doesn't affect me much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Municipal Water Treatment Technician (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This move could help me stay on track. Additional coverage for substance abuse is a relief and might encourage those hesitant to take that first step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Assistant District Attorney (Boston, MA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this policy primarily strengthening the support system. It's progressive for public servants' mental health we're finally seeing addressed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 2: $1050000000 (Low: $850000000, High: $1250000000)
Year 3: $1100000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1300000000)
Year 5: $1200000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 10: $1400000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 100: $5000000000 (Low: $4000000000, High: $6000000000)
Key Considerations
- Nonfederal governmental group plans differ widely, and compliance costs could vary by region.
- Mental health and substance use disorder benefits need to be at parity with physical health benefits, potentially requiring significant changes in coverage.
- There might be initial resistance from plan administrators or state governments due to increased costs.