Senate passes mental health ‘parity’ legislation

Source: Associated Press

Senate passes mental health ‘parity’ legislation
Bill to require equal coverage in some cases for mental, physical illnesses

Updated: 7:35 p.m. CT Sept 18, 2007
WASHINGTON - The Senate passed legislation Tuesday night that would require equal health insurance coverage for mental and physical illnesses when policies cover both.

The bill, which passed by unanimous consent, moves advocates one step closer in their quest for a concept known as mental health parity.

“The passage tonight of the Mental Health Parity bill underscores our commitment to treat all patients facing all diseases with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. “This new legislation will bring dramatic new help to millions of Americans who today are denied needed mental health care and treatment.”

Passage came on the same day that supporters inundated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, urging a vote on mental health parity legislation in the House.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20853087/

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Isn't it a shame Senators Phil Gramm and Jesse Helms couldn't be there to vote on this bill?

As a parent with a child who has struggled with mental illness and our battles with getting services this can only be seen as a step in the right direction.

The people who have it could certainly testify to that fact.

It's about time the Senate passed this bill. Let's hope the House will do the same.

My sister lived for 22 years with schitzophrenia. If she had not been eligible for SSDI and Medicare, she would not have been able to get much treatment, as my parents insurance only minimally covered mental illness. This ruling will help many others get the medical treatment they need.

that Junior will finally get the care he so urgently needs?

:applause: should have done this years ago!

"The Senate passed legislation Tuesday night that would require equal health insurance coverage for mental and physical illnesses when policies cover both."

Most insurance policies offer NO mental health coverage, so this law would affect only a small fraction of those who even have coverage.

Anything for a buck.

If wing-jobs supported it there must be some hidden profit agenda. Maybe not. One can only hope.

This is exactly what the insurance industry wants, and just about every member of Congress, of both parties, are deep in the back pocket of the insurance industry.

As for why the industry wants it, it has been mentioned elsewhere. This is an excuse to drop coverage of mental health issues, or at least greatly increase premiums. This also gives the industry a potent piece of ammo against state legislatures that seem poised to make mental health coverage mandatory.

Who, me? Cynical? How could that have happened? :eyes:

It still allows health insurance policies to not cover mental health treatment AT ALL. If health insurance companies could offer policies that excluded pregnancy, THEY WOULD. If they could offer policies that didn't cover heart disease or cancer, THEY WOULD.

makes me happy that Paul's legacy still lives on.

TOO COOL!

Too bad there's no mental health screening for elected officials.

My younger brother has Autism...and this helps give me more hope for him in the future. I am glad...so glad.

;-)

Anyone know if this is included?