As reported in the findings of H.B. 2237, approximately 455,000 adults in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have a major mental illness in any one year and approximately 192,000 children in the Commonwealth suffer from mental illnesses. The success of current treatments for mental disorders, by enabling persons with them to participate more fully and productively in family life, at work and in the community, makes many of these societal costs avoidable. Over the last two decades, the therapeutic options available to physicians for treating mental disorders have become more numerous, more specific and more effective. And, importantly, treatment alternatives for many mental illnesses are now available. The rate or treatment response increases to more than 80 percent when alternative or adjunctive medications are used or psychotherapy is combined with medications in accordance with science-based practice guidelines.
Panic disorder is a major source of visits to hospital emergency rooms or to the physician's office.
Positive response rates of 70 percent - 90 percent are reported for treatment of this disabling disorder with antidepressant medications. Reputable studies and states' cost experience with parity laws demonstrate that fair and equitable coverage of mental illness in health insurance makes economic sense. According to CBO's estimate, employers would bear the cost of only 1.6 percent of the estimated premium increase. Insurers and employers could easily offset the modest premium costs associated with parity coverage of treatment of mental illness. These changes, imposed on all health care services, would enable insurers to provide uniform coverage and cost-sharing for all medical conditions.