Mental health insurance has gained more popularity since the pandemic. However, in 2021, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) reported several Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) violations. The MHPAEA prevents group plans and issuers from placing less favorable limits on mental health benefits than on other health plans.
The increased focus on MHPAEA shows a shift towards recognizing and regulating mental health services and their impact on society.
What is mental health insurance coverage and is it necessary?
Mental health insurance, also called behavioral health coverage, provides coverage for mental health problems, behavior disorders, and substance use problems. Humana’s behavioral health insurance plans offer health insurance coverage for several conditions including:
Anxiety
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder
Humana also offers a host of emotional health services such as:
Crisis intervention
Drug and alcohol screening and assessment
Medication assistance
Outpatient services like individual, group, and family counseling
Peer support groups
Psychological testing
Therapeutic rehabilitation programs
These services equip individuals to handle stress, make healthy choices, have healthy relationships, and think positive even in challenging situations.
Do essential health benefits (EHBs) cover mental health services?
The Affordable Care Act considers mental health services as a mandatory category that insurance plans must cover. However, employers have the liberty to choose plan specifics.
Mental health benefits have slowly moved from being a fringe benefit to being an MVP in competitive employee benefits packages. Both small and large businesses offer these services to remain relevant and attract top talent.
Small businesses also have the option of providing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These programs are created to improve employee mental and financial health and, subsequently, their job performance.
EAPs help employees navigate various issues like work-life stress, emotional distress, workplace disputes, relationship issues, and legal or financial matters. Through advice or educational training from licensed professionals EAPS help employees live and do better.
For more information on mental health benefits, head on over to NY Small Health. We work with small businesses to filter out affordable benefits packages that match the unique needs of your team.
Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate employee benefits.