Sun Life U.S. congratulates Congressmen DeSaulnier and Scott on introduction of historic legislation to enhance coverage of mental health conditions in long-term disability insurance

Rhea-AI Summary

Sun Life U.S. has endorsed the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act, introduced by Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier and Robert Scott, which aims to enhance long-term disability insurance coverage for mental health conditions. The legislation would require mental health conditions to be covered similarly to physical conditions in long-term disability insurance, removing the typical 24-month cap on mental health benefits. Dan Fishbein, president of Sun Life U.S., emphasized that mental health conditions can be as disabling as physical ones and supports establishing a uniform federal standard for equal coverage. The company believes this legislative solution will ensure better coverage for workers while maintaining a sustainable disability insurance market, ultimately helping more people access necessary mental healthcare and support for returning to work.

Positive

• Potential for expanded coverage duration for mental health conditions beyond current 24-month cap
• Legislative support for equal treatment of mental and physical health conditions in disability insurance
• Market-wide solution that maintains sustainability of disability insurance market
• Enhanced focus on mental health expertise and management in disability assessment

Negative

• Implementation may lead to increased costs for disability insurance providers
• Potential impact on insurance premiums for employers and employees
• Transition period needed for insurance companies to adjust coverage policies

WELLESLEY, Mass., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dan Fishbein, M.D., president, Sun Life U.S., released the following statement in support of the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act, introduced today by Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) and Robert Scott (VA-03). This legislation would enhance long-term disability insurance benefits by requiring that mental health conditions be covered similarly to most physical conditions. Sun Life first called on Congress in 2023 to make these improvements to disability coverage.

"This legislation rightly recognizes that mental health is health, and makes sure that workers will have the financial security they need to take care of themselves and their families, regardless of the cause of their disability. Mental health conditions must be given the same consideration as physical conditions in healthcare and in workplace benefits, especially disability coverage. A mental health condition can be just as disabling as a physical one, and can last just as long. Currently, most long-term disability benefits are typically capped at 24 months for mental health conditions. There should be a uniform federal standard to ensure long-term disability benefits cover mental health and physical conditions at the same level and length.

This is an opportunity to evolve the way we address mental health diagnoses in the assessment of a person's ability to work. Stronger mental health expertise and management, paired with the vocational support already embedded in disability insurance, will help more people get the care and support they need to return to work and wellness.

A market-wide legislative solution is the best way to ensure coverage for workers while supporting a strong and sustainable market for disability insurance.

Disability coverage must evolve to meet the current needs of American workers. We applaud Congressmen DeSaulnier and Scott for introducing this important piece of legislation and stand ready to work with members of Congress and other partners to support its passing. Getting people back to health and work whenever possible remains the goal. Society benefits by helping more workers get the mental healthcare they need, and we now have the opportunity to do just that."

About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.55 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contacts
Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
781-800-3609

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

FAQ

What changes does the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act propose for SLF's long-term disability insurance?

The Act would require Sun Life and other insurers to cover mental health conditions similarly to physical conditions in long-term disability insurance, removing the typical 24-month benefit cap for mental health conditions.

How does Sun Life currently handle mental health coverage in long-term disability insurance?

Currently, like most insurers, Sun Life typically caps long-term disability benefits for mental health conditions at 24 months, while physical conditions may be covered for a longer period.

What impact will the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act have on disability insurance coverage?

The Act will establish a uniform federal standard ensuring equal coverage length and level for both mental and physical health conditions in long-term disability insurance.

When did Sun Life first advocate for mental health parity in disability insurance?

Sun Life first called on Congress to make improvements to disability coverage for mental health conditions in 2023.

How will the new legislation affect Sun Life's disability insurance business?

The legislation will require Sun Life to adjust its coverage policies to provide equal benefits for mental and physical conditions, while maintaining a sustainable market for disability insurance.