In a move that mirrors the actions of many state legislatures, the U.S. Congress has approved a sweeping mental health bill that requires insurers to provide the same level of coverage for mental illnesses as they do for physical illnesses. The bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), both of whom have struggled with alcohol or drug addictions.

"Typical annual limits include 30 visits to a doctor or 30 days of hospital care for treatment of a mental disorder. Under the legislation passed yesterday, those limits would no longer be allowed if the insurer had no limits on treatment for medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees would be exempt."

The only remaining obstacle is the $3.4 billion in lost tax revenue to the federal government. It's unclear whether details can be worked out before Congress recesses. Source: Washington Post

Labels: legislation, mental_health