The same coverage must be provided for mental illness as for physical illness. Failure to do so presumes that mental illness is neither an illness nor real. In addition to supporting mental health coverage parity, in the previous legislative session I also voted in favor of a motion to discharge on June 14 which would have forced the Senate Republican majority to address the issue. In the New Senate I will work for and vote for parity of coverage. Medical insurance should cover mental illness without discrimination.
Legislation is needed now to end the practice of unequal protection for people with mental illness.
I agree that HMO's must provide similar coverage for mental illness as they do for other medical illnesses. I discussed Panic and the need for those affected to seek treatment. I would support and sponsor such legislation. My opponent co-sponsored the Mental Health Parity Bill and then voted NO on a motion to discharge, effectively killing the bill. I fully support efforts to bring parity to our health system so that everyone can have equal access to mental health care as they have to physical health care.