Bill Overview
Title: Telemental Health Parity Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires private health insurance plans to apply benefits for mental health or substance use disorder services that are furnished via telehealth in the same manner as those services that are furnished in person. Under current mental health parity rules, insurance plans that provide benefits for mental health or substance use disorder services are generally required to make those benefits comparable to the benefits the plan provides for medical and surgical care.
Sponsors: Rep. Manning, Kathy E. [D-NC-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals relying on mental health or substance use disorder services via telehealth
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill impacts individuals who receive mental health or substance use disorder services.
- Telehealth services provide remote delivery of healthcare over telecommunications infrastructure.
- People unable to access in-person mental health services due to geographic, physical, or other limitations would benefit.
- The legislation applies to those with private health insurance plans.
- Mental health and substance use issues are prevalent globally and affect millions.
Reasoning
- The bill will primarily affect individuals who have private insurance and use or need telehealth mental health services, a segment of the population which can vary greatly in numbers and demographics. Not everyone has access to telehealth services, but a significant portion of urban and suburban populations might benefit profoundly.
- Telehealth services bridge access gaps for people in rural or underserved areas, therefore we can expect marked impact in these locales.
- Given the estimated costs and the current population with mental health needs, not everyone affected will experience high levels of impact; the level will depend on individual circumstances like existing access to services, severity of medical conditions, and personal preferences.
- The commonness factor reflects how widespread an individual's circumstances are. In urban areas, use and need for telehealth are growing.
- Budget constraints will limit the extent of improvements in tangible wellness outcomes in the short term, though psychological reassurance from having better access to services might be evident immediately.
Simulated Interviews
unemployed (rural Kentucky)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help me access therapy more regularly.
- Transportation has been a barrier, so telehealth would ease that concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
software engineer (urban New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The costs were a concern but parity in coverage is reassuring.
- I can now focus more on getting better rather than worrying about expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
teacher (suburban Texas)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This ensures continuity of care without having to travel.
- Telehealth allows me to manage my condition while maintaining my job schedule.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired (rural Montana)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I can get treatment more often without worrying about long trips.
- This improves my quality of life as doctor visits are more feasible.
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 |
student (urban California)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Coverage parity will relieve financial stress.
- Telehealth fits my schedule better than in-person sessions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
nurse (urban Illinois)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy means I can continue getting help without financial strain.
- Modern solutions to healthcare like this are essential for recovery.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
freelancer (suburban Florida)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't directly affect me, but it's good to know it's there if needed.
- Having telehealth readily insured is a good safety net.
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 |
small business owner (rural Arizona)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could lower my health expenses significantly.
- It helps keep my mental health support intact in busy periods.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
barista (urban Oregon)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a game-changer since it secures my access to therapy.
- Knowing sessions are covered is a huge relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
agricultural worker (rural Iowa)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Accessing telehealth without extra costs lifts a burden.
- Healthcare feels more within reach and manageable now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000000 (Low: $2500000000, High: $3500000000)
Year 2: $2400000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $2800000000)
Year 3: $2400000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $2800000000)
Year 5: $2400000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $2800000000)
Year 10: $2400000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $2800000000)
Year 100: $2400000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $2800000000)
Key Considerations
- Despite the potential cost increases for insurers, telehealth can drastically improve access to mental health care.
- Compliance costs might impose short-term financial burdens on insurers, but long-term savings could offset these.
- Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of telehealth services might vary based on technology access and rural vs. urban population distribution.