The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) commends Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) for introducing “The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act ”(H.R. 1367).
For Immediate Release
Contact: Denise Espie, MBA, Communications Director
202.966.7300, Ext. 120
despie@aacap.org
Erin Baker, Communications Manager
202.966.7300, Ext. 119
ebaker@aacap.org
Bill Would End Insurance Discrimination Against Individuals With Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders
Washington, D.C., March 8, 2007 – The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) commends Congressmen Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) for introducing “The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act ”(H.R. 1367). The bill will secure greater access to mental health and addiction treatment by prohibiting health insurers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment. Enactment of parity will enable millions of children and adolescents with mental illnesses to attain the treatment they need.
“I applaud Representatives Ramstad and Kennedy for showing America that mental health is intrinsic to good health and that treatment for mental illness and substance abuse is critical.” said Thomas F. Anders, M.D., AACAP President.
The bill strengthens the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by requiring group health plans that offer benefits for mental health and addiction to do so in the same way that other diseases are treated. The legislation closes the loopholes that let plans charge higher co-payments, coinsurance,and deductibles on mental health and addiction care.
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), close to 90 percent of plans impose such limitations and treatment restrictions on mental health and addiction treatment despite overwhelming scientific research that shows that mental illnesses have biological underpinnings and can be treated effectively. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that managed nondiscriminatory mental health benefits will increase average premiums by less than one percent of the cost of the average benefit.
Last month, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved similar legislation, The Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, sponsored by Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Pete Domenici (R- NM), and Mike Enzi (R-WY). The House Bill will require health plans that offer mental health benefits to include the same mental health and addiction disorders that are in the health plans members of Congress use.
To interview a child and adolescent psychiatrist about the impact this legislation will have on millions of children and adolescents with mental illnesses, please contact Erin Baker, Communications Manager, at 202-966- 7300, ext. 119 or ebaker@aacap.org.
Representing over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
Our Facts for Families, available free of charge on the AACAP website, provide concise and up-to-date information on a wide array of issues relating to children’s mental health. Written in a simple, straightforward manner, these 88 one-page fact sheets are valuable to anyone raising or working with children. In addition, the AACAP routinely refers the media to expert spokespeople on child and adolescent issues, and sponsors The Campaign for America’s Kids – an initiative designed to fund an Advocacy Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with the goal of mental health for all children.
AACAP Mission: The Mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.
