This week The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, that was signed in 2008 would, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebellus, "finally put mental health and behavioral health on equal footing."
It's about time. According to The Columbian, Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, ". . . has tried for decades to convince the world that mental illness is no different from physical illness. . . Advocates say the parity requirements for mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, represent a profound cultural shift for the nation." On Friday, November 8, 2013 The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act became part of federal law.
"I often have said that if insurance covered mental illness the way other diseases like cancer or diabetes are covered, there would be less stigma against these diseases, and we all would benefit from healthier mothers, brothers, workers and friends," said Carter. I would also add children to that list. I am hopeful that this law is enforced and insurance companies do not discriminate the mentally ill when it comes to health care coverage. I am thankful to Rosalynn Carter for her tireless effort to help reform medical coverage for mental illness, it's just a shame it took so long.
It's about time. According to The Columbian, Rosalynn Carter, former first lady, ". . . has tried for decades to convince the world that mental illness is no different from physical illness. . . Advocates say the parity requirements for mental health coverage under the Affordable Care Act, represent a profound cultural shift for the nation." On Friday, November 8, 2013 The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act became part of federal law.
"I often have said that if insurance covered mental illness the way other diseases like cancer or diabetes are covered, there would be less stigma against these diseases, and we all would benefit from healthier mothers, brothers, workers and friends," said Carter. I would also add children to that list. I am hopeful that this law is enforced and insurance companies do not discriminate the mentally ill when it comes to health care coverage. I am thankful to Rosalynn Carter for her tireless effort to help reform medical coverage for mental illness, it's just a shame it took so long.
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