The 2024 mental health parity rule is paused, but the parity law still applies.
Litigation by the ERISA Industry Committee led the agencies to say they will not enforce the 2024 rule while the case is paused.
What happened.
ERIC Lawsuit
ERIC v. HHS was filed January 17, 2025 in the District of Columbia, No. 1:25-cv-00136.
Abeyance
The court paused the case on May 13, 2025.
Nonenforcement
A May 15, 2025 notice says the agencies will not enforce the new provisions during the pause plus 18 months.
Practical effects.
The Statute Still Applies
The 2008 parity law and earlier regulations remain in force.
Comparative Analysis
Plans should keep their analyses current.
Watch for Changes
The agencies may revise the rule.
Ask Your Carrier
Confirm how the carrier handles parity testing.
Quick answers.
Short answers. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Is parity still required?
Yes, the statute and older regulations apply.
Is the 2024 rule gone?
It is not being enforced for now.
Who is affected?
Group health plans that cover mental health benefits.
Where the rules and figures come from.
Each figure on this page comes from the source below. Amounts are indexed or updated over time, so confirm current figures before relying on them.
DOL Statement on MHPAEA Enforcement
The May 15, 2025 notice that the 2024 parity rule will not be enforced.
Crowell on the Parity Pause
The ERIC lawsuit, No. 1:25-cv-00136 (D.D.C.), and the abeyance order.
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