House Mental Health Partity Vote Coming Up!

Our friends at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry have shared with us a planned vote on The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 (HR 1424), tentatively scheduled for March 5.

This much-needed legislation addresses discrimination in group health insurance plans against people dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues. It will close loopholes that allow discrimination in co-payment, co-insurance, deductibles, maximum out-of-pocket limit and day and visit limitations. It would apply to group health plans already providing mental health benefits and excludes health plans sponsored by employers of fewer than 50 people.

The Senate has already passed a version of this bill. The House must now pass this bill in order for a conference committee on legislation to be convened. Once convened, the committee will work out the differences between the two bills so a strong parity bill can be signed this year!

How you can help:
Call your U.S. Representative on March 4 and encourage him or her to vote "YES" on HR 1424 The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 and "NO" to any amendments that would weaken the bill.

When you contact your representative's office, ask for the Health Legislative Assistant. If leaving a voicemail, include your name and phone number where you can be reached.

Check out CHADD's "Where We Stand: Mental Health Parity" statement here for more information on mental health parity.

Sample message:
"I am calling to ask that Representative ________________  not allow another year to go by without passing mental health parity legislation. A lack of parity in health insurance is one of the key barriers in treat for children and adults with AD/HD. I urge Representative ___________ to vote in support of The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. Thank you."