Mental Health Parity

[TheOnlyMe]

For years, efforts to end discrimination in health care insurance coverage for mental illness have failed in Congress. Now we are literally at the door of ending this terrible discrimination.

At least one in five Americans suffers from a mood disorder or other mental illness. These individuals should be afforded the same level of insurance coverage as those with a physical illness.

Mental Health Parity makes sense and is affordable. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that providing mental health parity would increase health care costs by less than 1%.

Won’t you join me in writing your legislators and ask them for their support of the Mental Health Parity Legislation?

 

[Sheila]

Thanks *Star*.

This is a discussion that we've had many times through the years. Maybe it'll really happen now.

 

[Martie]

This is state law in MA. Is it in any other states (if anyone happens to know?)

Martie

 

[TheOnlyMe]

http://mentalhealthamerica.net/

FROM MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA ADVOCACY:

Last night the Senate passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, which includes mental health/addiction parity legislation and a financial rescue package. The bill is expected to be taken up in the House of Representatives on Friday. The upcoming House vote on the Economic Stabilization Act may be the last chance to pass parity legislation this year. It is likely to be a close vote, given that the House on Monday rejected a more targeted financial-rescue plan.
Call Today: 1-866-parity4

"I’m calling to ask that the Representative vote for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that includes needed mental health/addiction parity legislation."​

Parity legislation has been in limbo since the House and Senate passed identical parity provisions in separate bills on September 23, but until now leaders in the two chambers could not reach agreement on a vehicle to overcome procedural and budgetary roadblocks.
In taking up the emergency legislation last night, the Senate again passed the parity compromise agreed to by House and Senate negotiators in June. Parity is now part of what many see as a “must-pass” bill that includes a financial rescue package, higher insurance limits for bank deposits, disaster-relief, and a “fix” to the alternative minimum tax (that would otherwise mean higher taxes for millions of Americans). Mental Health America urges its passage.
Please call your representative using the toll-free Parity Hotline: 1-866-parity4 (1-866-727-4894). The Parity Hotline reaches the U.S. Capitol switchboard, which will connect callers to the offices of their members. Or you can dial the switchboard directly at 202-224-3121.
Call Today: 1-866-parity4

"I’m calling to ask that the Representative vote for the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that includes needed mental health/addiction parity legislation."​

Click here to find the name of your representative. Don't forget to forward this message to your friends, family and colleagues so they can also call their representative!