Every Policymaker Should Know. . . However, these individuals face a blatant form of health insurance discrimination. U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota explains the motive behind this type of discrimination and how every American is hurt by this public health policy. For far too long, mental illness has been stigmatized or viewed as a character flaw, rather than the serious disease it is. Yet scientific research clearly has shown the devastating physical and emotional toll this disease can take on our lives.
Stigma prompts many people to avoid work and socialization.
It gives insurers tacit permission to restrict coverage of mental health services in ways that would not be tolerated for other illnesses. It is a pernicious form of discrimination that creates a vicious cycle of depression and isolation. While high health care costs are a concern for insurers, we all pay the price. This high cost to society from untreated mental illness is well documented. The states have once again taken the lead in progressive policy to address health parity for mental illness.