A landmark bill was approved by Congress yesterday requiring private insurers to cover mental illnesses equally with those that are deemed physical. Even without debating the necessity of health care coverage from the standpoint of basic human rights, recent research has pointed increasingly to *physical* causes for many mental illnesses, and, therefore, it is only logical that they be covered the same as other diseases.
Mental health insurance parity would greatly improve the lives of many, many people who struggle daily with mental illness as well as their families.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), and Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), both of whom have struggled with addictions.
Please urge the president to sign this bill into law.
Hat tip to our roving reporter, MK.
5 comments:
haha... roving is right ;)
yay though!! that is really great!
:D Love the pic!
I'm glad this passed, in spite of insurance company lobbying! I just hope it won't get vetoed.
Also, what about Medicare? I'm on disability and I rely on Medicare and Medicaid to pay for my necessary treatments. I could lose the Medicaid at any time, and Medicare only pays 50% for outpatient visits. The state does provide med management, but not therapy.
sadly for "patches" (patrick kennedy's nickname here in RI) our republican governor cut the mental health budget in HALF. the result has been incredibly trying for all of us in the field, and our clients in particular.
Its so difficult when there is treatment out there, but people can't afford it. :(
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