This legislation would end the long-held practice of providing less insurance coverage for mental illnesses than for equally serious physical disorders. Health insurance companies would be required to provide equal coverage of mental health benefits unless comparable limitations are imposed on medical and surgical benefits. A vote on S. 543 had been expected before October 1st, but because of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Senate has suspended action on most bills. With more than 60 co-sponsors supporting the Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act, the outcome of a vote on S. 543 is not in doubt. However, due to the objections of several senators, a vote in the Senate has been delayed.
Jewish tradition places a great value on the health and well being of the mind.
Judaism acknowledges a distinction between mental and physical health. However, tradition treats them on an equal plane, recognizing that both a healthy body and a healthy mind are necessary for human beings to be complete. While Congress is rightly focusing on national security and an international response to terrorism, the Senate should also move forward on the bipartisan-supported mental health parity legislation. A strong bipartisan vote in the Senate favoring full parity legislation is crucial to building support in the House and compelling the Bush Administration to publicly endorse the bill. The Mental Health Equitable Treatment Act will put an end to the great inequities between mental health coverage and physical health coverage.