Washington, D.C., May 12, 2025 – Today, The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) released the following statement in response to the Department of Justice announcement that the Trump Administration will stay enforcement of the final rule issued under the Biden Administration related to requirements under the Mental Health Parity Act and Equity Addiction Act (MHPAEA) implementing the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (the “Departments”) intend to reconsider the rule, including whether to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking, rescinding or modifying the regulation. Earlier this year, ERIC filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the rule on multiple grounds, including on the grounds that several provisions are arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law. ERIC issued the following statement, which is attributable to ERIC President and CEO James Gelfand.
“With over 50 million people facing mental health crises, workplaces, families, and communities nationwide face daily challenges from mental health and substance use disorders. Over the last 17 years, ERIC has championed workable solutions that ensure employees have access to high quality, appropriate mental health and substance use disorder care, when and where they need it. Despite extensive efforts to work with the previous administration, the final rule requirements are wholly unworkable, and litigation became the only path to protecting employees and their access to quality, affordable benefits. We are pleased that the Trump Administration has responded to the lawsuit, will not penalize employers under the rule while the case is pending, and is reconsidering the rule to address the concerns ERIC expressed throughout the regulatory process. Today’s action by the Trump Administration recognizes the need for greater examination to ensure employers have the clarity and flexibility they need to offer robust behavioral health benefits for a healthy, productive workforce. This critical first step paves the way for the administration to restore a sensible approach to parity rules for mental health and substance use disorder care.”
A copy of documents relevant to today’s action can be found here and here.