According to correspondent Julio C. Abreu (Senior Director for Government Affairs at Mental Health America), negotiators for the US House and Senate are near or have reached a compromise that reconciles H.R. 1424 (”No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act of 2008″) and S. 558 (”Mental Health Parity Act of 2007″). These two bills are different versions of similar legislation that will require private health insurance plans to cover mental health (and other) services, just as they cover other conditions. This is, excuse me, HUGE for families of children and youths with emotional and behavioral disorders. I hope that the mental health community, including Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Alliance for Children and Families, springs into action and endorses resolution of this long-festering problem.
Many parents have written about confrontations with insurance companies about whether, for example, intensive behavioral therapy in their home for their child with Autism should be a reimbursable medical expense. As I understand it, this agreed legislation will give those families legal clout in those confrontations.
I want to take just a moment to remember that the US House version of this legislation has an alternative title—the “Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act”—that pays a well-deserved tribute to the late Senator from Minnesota, Paul Wellstone. Among his many fine efforts, Senator Wellstone was a tireless and formidable advocate for children and youth, especially those with disabilities. It’s wonderful to me to see that he is honored in this way.
That is great news. I think I need to follow up my most recent post with a mention of this. Thanks for the email.