Trump’s Policy Rollbacks Threaten Nationwide Mental Health Coverage

Millions of Americans are encountering heightened obstacles to mental health care as the Trump administration erodes protections aimed at making insurers accountable. ProPublica reveals that just months into his second term, the administration halted Biden-era regulations mandating insurers to report how they limit or reject mental health claims. This suspension, along with funding reductions for the federal agency responsible for enforcing mental health parity, has exposed patients to denials, delays, and surging medical expenses. This shift in policy occurs at a particularly concerning moment. The 2024 Senior Report notes alarming increases in drug fatalities among U.S. adults aged 65 and older, with the District of Columbia seeing a staggering 120 percent rise in deaths. Furthermore, Black seniors face significantly higher premature death rates compared to their white counterparts, underscoring the urgent need for accountability in coverage. As oversight diminishes, the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) anticipates a workforce reduction of nearly 20 percent, which leaves families facing lengthy waits for necessary support.

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