Home  About Us   Find a Therapist   Public Resources   Professional Resources
  Share This Site  Contact Us   Search This Site

E-News from Washington April 29, 2002 Vol. 02-11
President Bush Announces Support for Mental Health Parity

In the administration's first major initiative on mental health, President Bush today announced his support for mental health parity legislation, which would require large employers to extend the same health benefits for mental illness that they do for physical ailments. Bush made the announcement at the University of Mexico, after a closed-door meeting where he heard how mental illness can devastate families. The President chose New Mexico to make his announcement because it is the home of Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), who has championed the cause for many years, along with Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN).

No deal on the specifics of mental health parity legislation has been reached, which is sharply opposed by business groups, who fear it will significantly increase the costs of health insurance. At issue is whether parity will apply to all diagnosed mental illness, as the Senate-passed legislation provided, or only major diseases. Also at issue is whether businesses could opt out if costs rise too much. The original law that expired in September 2001 allowed businesses to skirt the requirements as long as they could show that the requirements raised health care costs by more than 1 percent. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the parity bill passed by the Senate would raise costs by just under 1 percent. We will continue to update you on the parity issue as soon as developments occur.

AMHCA, along with other mental health advocacy groups, will participate in a mental health parity rally on June 6th, on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. For those who reside in the Washington, DC, area and would like to attend the rally, please contact Beth Powell at 703-548-6002, ext. 105/800-326-2642, ext. 105 or by e-mail at bpowell@amhca.org.

Please forward this message on to anyone who might be interested in attending the rally.
Additional information will be provided as soon as plans are finalized.

Beth Powell
AMHCA Director of Public Policy and Professional Issues
801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 304
Alexandria, VA  22314
703-548-6002, ext. 105
www.amhca.org