For example recent findings from the National Institute of Mental Health show that the success rates for the treatment of mental illnesses such as Panic Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depression and others were higher than the early response rates for certain heart procedures. Most Americans support non-discriminatory coverage for mental illness. According to a January 1994 public opinion survey 74 percent of those polled support inclusion of non-discriminatory coverage for mental illness in health plans. More than 30 states have bills to support equal insurance coverage for mental illness under consideration. Health and fitness are the top concerns of American people.
Safety is the next most valued concern.
Mental health and mental fitness are included in these two top values. The legislative committee of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association under the leadership of Greg Kyser, M.D. is outlining the steps that we need to take and order to do our share to support parity. A conference meeting of key businesses in the state has been proposed to listen to their concerns and to review the current ideas about how support for equal coverage is affordable. The revival of a statewide coalition for fairness and mental health coverage is underway and will include organizations who are interested. The picnic head bipartisan support and had Tipper Gore as one of the leaders.