Administering Generous Mental Health Benefits:
Opinions of Employers
V. Next Steps
The employers recommend that a comprehensive effort to quantify the advantages of generous mental health coverage and then educate employers could have a significant effect. Many employers fail to provide comprehensive mental health benefits because they cannot justify the initial expense.
Some of the savings associated with increased access to and provision of mental health services are not immediately realized. Demonstrating that an initial increase in mental health costs can have a positive impact on the long-term financial bottom line could entice other employers to provide benefits that are more comprehensive.
Convincing employers will require an extensive research and education effort involving data collection, analysis, and distribution. Studies must conclusively demonstrate the advantages associated with improved mental health benefits. These studies must be widely distributed and accessible to employers. In addition, employers need technical assistance in developing and implementing a comprehensive mental health plan. The Federal Government can play an active role in the education effort by providing support and funding to develop the information necessary to convince employers.
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