Press Release
March 5, 2008
Congresswoman Susan Davis Votes to Expand Mental Health Coverage
Davis seeks to end discrimination against patients with mental illnesses
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susan Davis today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in support of landmark legislation that will help end discrimination against patients requiring treatment for mental illnesses. The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424) was approved by a vote of 268-148.
“Mental illnesses are treatable diseases that impact millions of Americans each year,” said Davis. “Unfortunately, many group health plans currently do not provide the same coverage for mental illnesses as they do for physical ailments. I’m proud to support important legislation that will help end this practice and ensure more Americans get the care they need and deserve.”
The legislation prohibits insurers and group health plans from imposing treatment or financial limitations when they offer mental health benefits that are more restrictive from those applied to medical and surgical services.
The legislation applies only to insurers and group health plans that provide mental health benefits and the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that this legislation will have a miniscule impact on health insurance premiums.
Davis has been dedicated to mental health issues from her days working as a psychiatric social worker. As a legislator, she authored mental health legislation in the California State Assembly and is tackling mental health system deficiencies for U.S. servicemembers as Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
The bill is backed by a diverse group of organizations including the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Hispanic Medical Association, American Counseling Association, Families USA, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, and Mental Health America.