GAO STUDY AND REPORT COMPARING COVERAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BENEFITS AND NON-MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BENEFITS.

SEC. 4130. GAO STUDY AND REPORT COMPARING COVERAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BENEFITS AND NON-MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER BENEFITS.(a) Study.—(1) In general.—The Comptroller General of the United States (in this section referred to as the “Comptroller General”) shall conduct a study that compares the mental health and substance use disorder benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans (including specialized MA plans for special needs individuals, as defined in section 1859(b)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)) under part C of title XVIII of such Act with—(A) benefits (other than mental health and substance use disorder benefits) offered by such Medicare Advantage plans; and (B) the mental health and substance use disorder benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of such title XVIII. (2) Analysis.—To the extent data is available and reliable, the study under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of—(A) out-of-pocket expenses for in-network care; (B) the use of prior authorization and other utilization management tools; (C) the mental health and substance use disorder benefits offered; and (D) other items determined appropriate by the Comptroller General. (3) Plan and service specific.—To the extent practicable, the study under paragraph (1) shall examine differences by type of Medicare Advantage plan and type of item or service. (4) Both required and supplemental benefits.—For purposes of the study under paragraph (1), benefits offered 136 STAT. 5918 by Medicare Advantage plans (including specialized MA plans for special needs individuals) under part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act shall include both and differentiate between—(A) benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program, as described in section 1852(a)(1)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–22(a)(1)(B)); and (B) supplemental health care benefits, as described in section 1852(a)(3)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–22(a)(3)(A)). (b) Report.—Not later than 30 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).