Mental health push in Congress sparks lobbying frenzy - POLITICO

Link CopiedDemocrats, fearing their health care agenda is trapped in limbo, are pivoting to an issue they think will resonate with millions of Americans: cracking down on insurers who routinely deny mental health and addiction claims.Congress has attempted to solve the problem at least three times, with laws dating to the mid-90s, but a new federal report shows health insurers regularly violate laws, refusing to pay for mental health and substance abuse services or making patients jump through hoops to get care.Now, the insurance industry and its allies, which have successfully staved off tougher enforcement, are lining up against the measures. The companies are talking with committee chairs and sending letters to key lawmakers to stop a pair of bills, including tougher enforcement such as stiff fines.“When you have an access problem that is as complicated and multifaceted as mental health care, it would be wonderful if we could find a single silver bullet solution that would solve it,” said Kristine Grow, a spokesperson for America’s Health Insurance Plans, the industry’s main lobby group. They go cash-only and tell the patient: ‘Good luck.’”Other groups fighting alongside the insurers against the bills warn that they could enable mental health care providers to charge exorbitant rates for care and force insurers to pick up the tab, potentially raising premiums for everyone.Mental health care providers, looking to counter the insurance industry’s claims, are also ramping up their lobbying and urging Congress on as they consider penalizing insurers.“This is the big issue for us on the Hill,” Saul Levin, the CEO and medical director of the American Psychiatric Association, told POLITICO.