Ep 9: Understanding Mental Health Parity with Deborah Steinberg

In this episode, Rachel talks with Deborah Steinberg, Senior Health Policy Attorney at the Legal Action Center, about the current state of mental health parity in the U.S. Deborah explains what parity means, why it matters, and how gaps in enforcement continue to affect patients and providers.

They also discuss the recent HHS rule reversal and its impact on insurance coverage, including disparities in reimbursement and network adequacy. Listeners will learn about key barriers in mental health and substance use disorder care, as well as practical steps for advocacy and holding plans accountable.

Episode Highlights

• Introduction to Deborah Steinberg and her policy work

• Overview of mental health parity laws and importance

• Discussion on HHS rule reversal and its impact

• Disparities between mental and physical health coverage

• Enforcement gaps at federal and state levels

• Role of data collection in identifying parity violations

• Network adequacy challenges for providers and patients

• Aligning health plan coverage criteria with standards of care

• Steps consumers can take to report parity violations

• Ways to engage in state-based advocacy and reforms

• Advocacy benefits for patients, providers, and systemic change

Articles & Resources

• Mental Health Care May Be Harder to Obtain After HHS Rule Reversal – STAT News

• New Tool Brings Mental Health Parity Problems to Light – AMA

• Commissioner King Fines Insurers Over $20 Million for Parity Violations – Georgia OCI

• Mental Health Parity Enforcement Updates – Congressman Tonko

Connect with Deborah Steinberg

• Website: https://www.lac.org

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-steinberg-b4822536/

• Instagram: @deborahgwen

Connect with Us

• Website: The Mental Health Evolution

• Instagram: @thementalhealthevolution

• LinkedIn: The Mental Health Evolution

• Facebook: The Mental Health Entrepreneur

Music by Zach Harrison