And there is widespread agreement that any marginal increase in premiums in the private sector would be offset by a significant decrease in public expenditures for mental health services. The bottom line is that this legislation, by requiring more appropriate care in a timely fashion, will save society money, and will even save lives. For example, according to the Children's Defense Fund, childhood mental and emotional disorders that go unrecognized and untreated place young people at greater risk for school failure and drop out, drug use, risks of HIV transmission and other difficulties in life. Some of these kids commit suicide, others end up in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. Public health care systems have historically provided for the mental health needs of these young people and others who suffer from mental illness, but it is high time for private health insurance to do its part as well.
Mental illness strikes people from all walks of life - young and old, rich and poor.
I am proud to support it.