Trone Hosts Roundtable with Assistant Secretary Gomez on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity in Health Insurance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2024
Trone Hosts Roundtable with Assistant Secretary Gomez on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity in Health Insurance
Congressman David Trone hosts a roundtable at Everymind with US DOL Assistant Secretary Lisa Gomez and Maryland Special Secretary for Overdose Response Emily Keller
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tuesday, Congressman David Trone (D-MD), co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, and U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Lisa Gomez hosted a roundtable discussion with substance use disorder (SUD) education experts on addressing mental health and SUD parity as well as the importance of offering recovery care for employees. Maryland Special Secretary for Overdose Response and former Mayor of Hagerstown, Emily Keller, was also in attendance.
Without insurance parity between mental and physical health care, mental health and substance use disorder treatment is covered at far lower levels than other medical conditions, exacerbating the treatment inequities between mental and physical illnesses and worsening the stigma surrounding mental illness. Currently, only half of those with a mental illness and only one in four people with substance use disorder receive treatment.
“We’ve got to ensure there’s parity in how we address substance use and mental health disorders in every aspect of the health care system. It’s not only critical to ensuring folks get the care they need but also essential to breaking down the greater stigma surrounding these diseases,” said Congressman Trone, co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. “Today’s discussion was a step forward in our commitment to transforming the workplace into a supportive environment that acknowledges the value and contributions of all employees, regardless of their journey with mental health and substance use. I want to thank Assistant Secretary Gomez, Special Secretary Keller, and our people on the frontlines for all the work they do to improve access to such vital health care. We couldn’t do it with you.”
“I was grateful to hear directly from front-line mental health care providers and Maryland state officials on how the U.S. Department of Labor can continue partnering with them to battle our country’s ongoing mental health crisis,” said Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security Lisa M. Gomez. “Both front-line providers and state governments are essential in this fight. Working together, we can provide meaningful results for people who are seeking better mental health.”
“Removing the stigma associated with substance use disorders and substance use disorder treatment and recovery is one of the most impactful ways that we can improve access to care,” said Special Secretary Keller. “Parity in behavioral health services is a prerequisite for this in our healthcare system. Another way we are working to address stigma and to promote success in recovery in Maryland is by working with our partners at the Maryland Department of Labor to help employers become recovery-friendly. The more that people view substance use disorder as a treatable health condition as opposed to a moral failing, the better able we’ll be to support individuals in recovery and address the needs of the whole person.”
“At EveryMind, we are committed to promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace. We believe that by creating supportive and inclusive work environments, we can help individuals thrive both personally and professionally,” said Ann Mazur, CEO, Everymind. “We look forward to continuing our work with partners like Congressman Trone and Assistant Secretary Gomez to advance mental health initiatives in the workplace and beyond.”
Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders.
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