Dan Fishbein, M.D., president of Sun Life U.S., expressed support for the Workers' Disability Benefits Parity Act introduced by Congressmen Mark DeSaulnier and Robert Scott. The legislation aims to enhance long-term disability insurance benefits by requiring mental health conditions to be covered similarly to physical conditions. Sun Life had previously urged Congress in 2023 to improve 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," said Fishbein. He emphasized that mental health conditions should receive equal consideration as physical ones in healthcare and workplace benefits, particularly in disability coverage.
Currently, most long-term disability benefits are capped at 24 months for mental health conditions. The proposed legislation seeks a uniform federal standard to ensure parity between mental and physical condition coverage in terms of level and duration.
Fishbein highlighted the opportunity to evolve how mental health diagnoses are assessed concerning a person's ability to work. He noted that stronger mental health expertise combined with vocational support embedded in disability insurance could help more individuals 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," he added. Fishbein applauded Congressmen DeSaulnier and Scott for introducing the legislation and expressed readiness to collaborate with Congress members and other partners to support its passage.
Sun Life is an international financial services organization offering asset management, wealth, insurance, and health solutions across various markets worldwide. As of March 31, 2025, it managed assets totaling C$1.55 trillion. Sun Life U.S., one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helps approximately 50 million Americans access necessary care and coverage through employers, industry partners, and government programs.