With the political landscape changing in the U.S., there is an increased chance for an important mental health bill to be passed through Congress. Some members of the legislature have been working to require insurance companies to bring their coverage of mental health equal to that of physical health. Currently, most insurance plans have more rigid limits on doctor visits and coverage for psychological problems compared to physical ailments, leaving many people with incomplete care.
The legislation, named for the late Sen. Paul Wellstone, a Minnesota Democrat who championed the cause, has strong support in Congress but has run into GOP roadblocks. In the last congressional session, 231 House members — more than half of the chamber — signed on as co-sponsors. The GOP leadership, which in the past had expressed concern that the proposal would drive up health insurance premiums, wouldn’t bring it up for a vote.
I am always in favor of increasing health benefits for people in need, and think that more coverage for problems that affect a large number of Americans will have large benefits for many lives and the country. Although the bill could be blocked again or vetoed if it passses through, it is clearly a statement that mental health treatment is an important national issue and requires an update to the current system.
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One Comment to
“New Mental Health Bill?”
In these days of stress and mounting challenges for all Americans, it is hard to believe that our politicians continue to ignore mental health needs of children, adolescents, and adults. Because of the changes in the American society, Americans no longer view mental health illness as a weakness in personal character but a consequence of various issues they must contend with on a daily basis. This is clearly illustrated on the issues that play out in the media and on major headlines of every town or city news source in America.
The socioeconomic systems have drastically changed in our developed country. There is an ever shrinking middle class and more economic demands on families. One area that this demand can be illustrated is in the number of individual families who are now required to pay for their own health care. The packages are often very expensive and offer minimal coverage. This is in contrast to twenty years ago when employers would offer healthcare insurance as a part of the employment package. Although mental health coverage was sometimes minimal during this time, it was obtainable and affordable. A significant factor was that other medical areas were covered therefore families could afford mental health services. Furthermore, mental health care services were recognized as a vital community service for its citizens. Now, mental health care services are minimal and difficult to access due to the legislative changes through out the years. Consequently, many Americans go without psychiatric, psychological, and substance abuse treatment.
Due to the societal pressures and demands put on every level of the family members, the need for mental health care services is more important than ever before. Because politicians are all to aware of the mounting pressures placed on every American, they should be motivated to insist upon appropriate mental and physical care services that allow Americans to adequately function in society. If they continue to ignore the legitimate needs of Americans, our streets, jails, and prisons will continue to serve as holding pens of the mentally ill.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Dec 2006
