This bill lets the federal government fine employer health plans and the companies that run them if they break mental health parity rules. Parity means mental health and substance use disorder benefits must be covered on equal terms as medical and surgical care. The bill expands who can face fines to include plan sponsors, plan administrators, service providers, and insurers tied to a group health plan, when they fail to meet these parity requirements under federal law.

It also updates enforcement rules so the government can actually carry out these penalties for parity violations. The changes take effect for plan years that start one year after the bill becomes law, giving plans time to comply.

• Who is affected: Employers that offer group health plans, plan administrators, service providers, insurers, and the workers and families covered by these plans.
• What changes: The government can issue civil fines when plans or their partners violate mental health and substance use parity rules; enforcement authority is clarified to allow these penalties.
• When: Applies to plan years beginning one year after enactment.