Mental Health Parity

[gcvmom]

Looks like the Mental Health Parity act passed on the coattails of the current financial "rescue" legislation! I am SO glad the government recognized the importance of this kind of support.

 

[house of cards]

Wow, that IS great news!

 

[Nancy]

Is this the same Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 that ran out on Dec 31, 2007 and it was extended now?

Nancy

 

[flutterbee]

It's a start, but it's not perfect. It involves only employers with 50 or more employees and it doesn't require that they cover mental health in their insurance policy; just that if they do, it has to have the same coverage as that for physical health.

 

[TheOnlyMe]

October 3, 2008​

President Bush Signs Mental Health Parity into Law!​

President Bush signed into law today the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, after the House of Representatives passed the act by a vote of 263-171. Congress joined the parity bill with the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, the legislation created to address the economic situation.
This is a huge victory for people affected by AD/HD and related disorders. CHADD thanks all of our members who reached out to their elected officials to let Congress know the importance of ending insurance discrimination against people affected by mental illnesses. This is a monumental day for CHADD members and affiliates.
The mental health parity legislation signed into law provides equitable coverage of medical-surgical and mental health and addiction benefits in healthcare plans that offer mental health coverage. The bill prohibits health insurance plans sponsored by businesses with 50 or more employees from imposing day and visit limits or applying different deductibles, copayments, out-of-network charges and other financial requirements for mental health treatment. The act builds on the 1996 Parity Act, which provided limited parity for lifetime and annual dollar limits.
The text of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act can be viewed here. The section on mental health parity is located on pages 310-344 of the displayed law.



Shared with you by the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

Mental Health Liaison Group
Action Alert
www.mhlg.org
October 3, 2008
The long campaign to pass parity legislation is over, with a stunning win in Congress.
The U.S. House of Representatives has just voted to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 that includes the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The vote total on H.R. 1424 was 263-171. The roll call will be posted at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll681.xml
This action clears the legislation for presentation to the President, who will sign it very quickly.
Thank you to all organizations that have worked with us since 2001! Thank you to the sponsors of the legislation: Senators Domenici, Kennedy and Enzi, and Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad. Their leadership on this vital issue has been stellar. We could not have had more energetic champions for our cause.
Washington representatives of supporter organizations should join us for a spontaneous victory celebration – right now – at Tortilla Coast, on the corner of First and C Streets, SE (by Capitol South Metro). (Cash bar).
We will be back in touch about a more formal celebration to be held sometime in November.

Text of the Legislation: Parity is on pages 310 to 344. H.R. 1424 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
Section-by-Section of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

Peter Newbould
Director of Congressional & Political Affairs
American Psychological Assn. Practice Organization
202-336-5889