Bill Overview
Title: Strengthening Behavioral Health Benefits Act
Description: This bill provides additional statutory authority and funding to enforce the mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements that apply to group and individual health insurance plans.
Sponsors: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
Target Audience
Population: people who experience mental health or substance use disorders
Estimated Size: 75000000
- The bill enforces mental health parity laws meaning it mandates that mental health and substance use disorder benefits must be equal to general health care benefits.
- Approximately 1 in 5 people globally experience a mental health disorder in any given year, according to WHO.
- There are approximately 7.9 billion people in the world as of 2023.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a significant portion of the U.S. population facing mental health and substance use issues, approximately 75 million people.
- Given the budget constraints of $300 million in year 1, and a total of $3.21 billion over 10 years, a substantial but not universally comprehensive impact can be expected, particularly focusing on parity enforcement.
- The intervention aims to ensure mental health parity, so impacts might be more pronounced in groups previously experiencing unequal treatment.
- Responses will vary based on individual situations, including current employment, insurance coverage, and whether they currently receive mental health services.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the new policy is a step in the right direction, especially for people like me who have had a hard time getting mental health services covered.
- Equal coverage for mental health services would mean less out-of-pocket expenses.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy means I can finally get better access to medications and therapy without the stress of high costs.
- It would be amazing if this act makes a noticeable difference for people needing help but can't afford it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Retired (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving mental health benefits is crucial. Costs have kept me from seeking therapy beyond medication.
- Ensuring parity in benefits could help older folks who are on fixed incomes like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure how much this policy would impact me directly, but knowing help is more accessible makes me feel more secure.
- Students often face unique mental health challenges; more support is always welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that improves access to mental health services is beneficial to people in recovery.
- This policy could make it easier for those transitioning back to work to sustain recovery.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Unemployed (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With this new policy, hopefully I can finally get better therapy options rather than just medication.
- Medicaid often underfunds mental health for severe cases, so this is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Teacher (Dallas, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I personally don't need these services, my spouse does, and parity is vital.
- This policy may alleviate some of the financial burden of her treatment.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Attorney (Boston, MA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- For me, the benefits might not change significantly because my current coverage is decent.
- However, I know many who don't have the same access, so this policy is important for overall community mental health.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Construction Worker (Portland, OR)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies that enhance mental health benefits are essential for people in high-stress jobs like mine.
- I worry a lot about the cost of healthcare, so any help is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Part-time Librarian (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to better mental health resources is always welcome, especially in older age.
- This policy could make therapy more accessible without straining finances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $305000000 (Low: $205000000, High: $405000000)
Year 3: $310000000 (Low: $210000000, High: $410000000)
Year 5: $320000000 (Low: $220000000, High: $420000000)
Year 10: $340000000 (Low: $240000000, High: $440000000)
Year 100: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Key Considerations
- Mental health parity is expected to improve health outcomes for a significant portion of the population.
- Initial implementation costs could be offset by long-term savings from reduced healthcare expenditures.
- The effect on insurance premiums needs to be carefully monitored to ensure affordability.