Jennifer C. Mika
Areas of Focus
Overview
Jen Mika is a seasoned litigator and regulatory counselor who advises health systems, managed care plans, and other institutional clients on innovative legal solutions. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in government practice, Jen offers clients deep knowledge of compliance with federal and local health care law and a winning track record litigating complex issues. Her distinguished career in government focused on protecting vulnerable populations and included senior roles at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General, and District of Columbia Department on Disability Services.
Career & Education
- District of Columbia
- Senior Assistant United States Attorney and Pretrial Mental Health Coordinator, 2021–2024
- Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, 2018–2021
- Assistant General Counsel, District of Columbia Department on Disability Services, 2013–2018
- District of Columbia
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Elder Law and Legal Rhetoric, American University Washington College of Law, 2012–2025
- Guest Lecturer, Addiction and Mental Health, Georgetown Law Center, 2025
- American University Washington College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2011
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., with distinction, 2006
International Studies Honor’s Thesis; Willie P. Mangum Medal in Oratory
- District of Columbia
- New York
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Judge Kenia Seoane López, Superior Court for the District of Columbia
- Judge Aida Melendez, Superior Court for the District of Columbia
- Judge Elizabeth Wingo, Superior Court for the District of Columbia
- Judge Russell F. Canan, Superior Court for the District of Columbia
- Women’s Bar Association, District of Columbia
Jennifer's Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 03.06.26
Tri-Agencies Release Fourth Mental Health Parity Report to Congress
On March 3, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of the Treasury (TREAS) — collectively, the “Tri-Agencies” — published their fourth annual report to Congress on enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The 2025 Report demonstrates a shift in approach by the Tri-Agencies in its tone and content and suggests that federal regulators, and the DOL in particular, are not as active as they previously were in MHPAEA enforcement. However, federal enforcement remains ongoing, and state enforcement of mental health parity laws continues to grow. Plans and issuers must continue to maintain comprehensive compliance processes and documentation for MHPAEA compliance.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 05.16.25
Trump Administration Pauses Enforcement of the MHPAEA Final Rule
Representative Matters
- Successfully investigated and prosecuted two bank employees charged with financially exploiting a 72-year-old military widow with diminished capacity.
- Successfully investigated and prosecuted a pastor charged with financially exploiting multiple elderly women.
- Successfully investigated and prosecuted nursing home employee and home health aid charged with Financial Exploitation of Elderly and Vulnerable Adults
Jennifer's Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 03.06.26
Tri-Agencies Release Fourth Mental Health Parity Report to Congress
On March 3, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of the Treasury (TREAS) — collectively, the “Tri-Agencies” — published their fourth annual report to Congress on enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The 2025 Report demonstrates a shift in approach by the Tri-Agencies in its tone and content and suggests that federal regulators, and the DOL in particular, are not as active as they previously were in MHPAEA enforcement. However, federal enforcement remains ongoing, and state enforcement of mental health parity laws continues to grow. Plans and issuers must continue to maintain comprehensive compliance processes and documentation for MHPAEA compliance.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 05.16.25
Trump Administration Pauses Enforcement of the MHPAEA Final Rule
Recognition
- United States Attorney’s Award for Creativity and Innovation, 2023
- Office of the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service for a Trial in an Affirmative Case, 2020
- Executive Office of the United States Attorney’s Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, 2020
Jennifer's Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 03.06.26
Tri-Agencies Release Fourth Mental Health Parity Report to Congress
On March 3, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of the Treasury (TREAS) — collectively, the “Tri-Agencies” — published their fourth annual report to Congress on enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The 2025 Report demonstrates a shift in approach by the Tri-Agencies in its tone and content and suggests that federal regulators, and the DOL in particular, are not as active as they previously were in MHPAEA enforcement. However, federal enforcement remains ongoing, and state enforcement of mental health parity laws continues to grow. Plans and issuers must continue to maintain comprehensive compliance processes and documentation for MHPAEA compliance.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 05.16.25
Trump Administration Pauses Enforcement of the MHPAEA Final Rule
Insights
Reactions to the Persistent Gender Disparity in Student Note Publication, 2012 MICH. ST. L. REV. 1685
|01.14.13
"The Persistent Gender Disparity in Student Note Publication," 23 Yale Journal of Law & Feminism 385
|03.08.11
"Lessons Learned from Glamis Gold v. United States," 15 J. ARAB ARB. 21
|2010
“Selling Involuntary Medication in the District of Columbia: An Overview of Historical and Current Practices to Inform Clinical Approaches and Policy,” American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada
|10.24.24
- |
05.15.25
Crowell & Moring’s Health Law Blog
Practices
Jennifer's Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 03.06.26
Tri-Agencies Release Fourth Mental Health Parity Report to Congress
On March 3, 2026, the Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Department of the Treasury (TREAS) — collectively, the “Tri-Agencies” — published their fourth annual report to Congress on enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The 2025 Report demonstrates a shift in approach by the Tri-Agencies in its tone and content and suggests that federal regulators, and the DOL in particular, are not as active as they previously were in MHPAEA enforcement. However, federal enforcement remains ongoing, and state enforcement of mental health parity laws continues to grow. Plans and issuers must continue to maintain comprehensive compliance processes and documentation for MHPAEA compliance.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 05.16.25
Trump Administration Pauses Enforcement of the MHPAEA Final Rule
