Some people don't realize they even have a problem, thinking the condition is normal. In addition, many people think that their symptoms are physical in origin, when actually their complaints stem from psychological factors. Examples include fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and weight loss brought on by depression, stress, anxiety, or grief. But the main obstacle to seeking help are the strict limits imposed by insurance carriers on mental health coverage as opposed to coverage for physical conditions. Approximately half of all current insurance plans limit mental health hospitalization to 30 to 60 days per year.
Many plans also have lifetime caps on in-hospital care.
For outpatients, most plans restrict the number of patient visits or impose a dollar limit. For example, some insurers do not place restrictive limits on cancer treatment, but they do limit treatment for mental health. Ending all discriminatory coverage for mental health services will save money for our health care system. But the original amendment did not pass. These plans should also encourage enrollees, when appropriate, to seek help from qualified mental health professionals rather than primary care physicians.