WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday is announcing new rules meant to push insurance companies to increase coverage of mental health treatments.

The new regulations, which will need to go through a public comment period, are intended to require insurers to study patient outcomes and determine whether their customers have equal access to medical and mental health benefits. The next step, if necessary, is for the companies to take remedial action.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires that insurers provide the same level of coverage for both mental and physical health care — though the administration and advocates argue insurers' policies restrict patient access. The factors include taking into account a provider network and reimbursement rates and whether prior authorization is required for care.

The Democratic president's administration points to issues such as insurers enabling nutritional counseling for diabetes patients but making it more difficult to qualify for those with eating disorders.

By measuring outcomes, the White House says, it will force insurers to come into compliance with the law.

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