Anna Vredenburgh, director of health policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, writes in Healthcare Dive that employers are expanding mental health benefits for workers, underscoring for Congress the importance of strengthening mental health care in the U.S.
The Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Protecting Americans' Coverage Together (PACT), a coalition of business voices aimed at strengthening employer-provided coverage. In the piece, Anna highlights policy proposals released earlier this year by PACT to enhance mental health services across the nation.
This is especially timely as the Biden Administration is reportedly near its final rulemaking to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which will likely have negative impacts on the availability of quality mental health care. This places more pressure on Congress to take action to strengthen mental health care for Americans.
In the piece, Anna writes:
"Right now, the system is failing too many people. We have the tools to change that. We have the capability to address America’s mental health crisis, but policymakers must act. Congress must reauthorize telehealth extensions. Leaders in Washington can engage efforts to build America’s mental and behavioral health workforce and support new steps to integrate care for mental, behavioral and physical health."
Mental and behavioral health have a major impact on the lives of nearly every American. This year, Congress should act to strengthen America’s mental health care system.
Read the full op-ed, click here.
About PACT
The Protecting Americans' Coverage Together campaign is a coalition that includes the U.S Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, Vermeer Corporation, The National Association of Manufacturers and Council for Affordable Health Coverage. PACT represents leading employer voices focused on strengthening employer-provided coverage and protecting the benefits that American families depend on for their health.
About the authors
Anna Vredenburgh
Anna Vredenburgh is the director for health policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
