The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) applauds passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
Contact: Erin Baker, Communications Director
202.966.7300, Ext. 119
ebaker@aacap.org
Adam Lowe, Communications Coordinator
202.966.7300, Ext. 154
alowe@aacap.org
Washington, D.C., October 3, 2008 - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) applauds passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The bill will secure greater access to mental health and addiction treatment by prohibiting health insurers and employers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment. Enactment of mental health parity will enable millions of children and adolescents with mental illnesses to access the treatment they need.
“This is a miraculous day so many children and adolescents living with mental illnesses,” said AACAP President Robert Hendren, D.O. “Without discriminatory restrictions, families have a better chance at securing early interventions, and obtaining critical mental health treatment.”
This legislation will provide parity for 82 million Americans covered by self-insured plans and another 31 million in plans that are subject to state regulation. It is estimated that 80 percent of children requiring mental health services do not receive treatment, in large part because of discriminatory insurance practices.
The AACAP has been a long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation. The AACAP extends its thanks to Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), and David Wellstone of Wellstone Action for championing this historic legislation.
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.
Contact: Erin Baker, Communications Director
202.966.7300, Ext. 119
ebaker@aacap.org
Adam Lowe, Communications Coordinator
202.966.7300, Ext. 154
alowe@aacap.org
Washington, D.C., October 3, 2008 - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) applauds passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The bill will secure greater access to mental health and addiction treatment by prohibiting health insurers and employers from placing discriminatory restrictions on treatment. Enactment of mental health parity will enable millions of children and adolescents with mental illnesses to access the treatment they need.
“This is a miraculous day so many children and adolescents living with mental illnesses,” said AACAP President Robert Hendren, D.O. “Without discriminatory restrictions, families have a better chance at securing early interventions, and obtaining critical mental health treatment.”
This legislation will provide parity for 82 million Americans covered by self-insured plans and another 31 million in plans that are subject to state regulation. It is estimated that 80 percent of children requiring mental health services do not receive treatment, in large part because of discriminatory insurance practices.
The AACAP has been a long-time supporter of mental health parity legislation. The AACAP extends its thanks to Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), and David Wellstone of Wellstone Action for championing this historic legislation.
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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.
