| Washington, D.C.–U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks today on the House floor in support of H.R. 1424, The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. The bill, which passed the House by 268 to 148, 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.
"I want to begin by thanking the sponsors of H.R. 1424, Congressman Kennedy and Congressman Ramstad for their tireless efforts on behalf of this bill.
I also want to pay tribute to Paul Wellstone. Paul and Sheila, his wife, were friends of mine. They were both leaders in ending discrimination and in making sure that every person in this country has access to affordable, comprehensive health care — including comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment.
If Paul were here today, he would no doubt have countless stories of those he'd met throughout the years who would benefit from the passage of H.R. 1424. In his absence, today I remember the many, many constituents who I've heard from since first being elected to the Illinois State Legislature who have shared with me the need to pass mental health parity legislation. Every year, about 40 million of us will experience some type of mental disorder. Yet, 1 of every 2 children and 2 of every 3 adults with diagnosable mental disorders go without treatment. The good news is that so many mental illnesses are manageable and treatable. The bad news is that, for so many, treatment for a mental illness lies far beyond their reach due to high cost-sharing and lower caps on services.
Some have said that using the handbook that mental health professionals use to determine mental health disorders will add to costs and jeopardize access altogether — but when implemented in the FEHBP in 2001, costs did not increase and not one single insurer dropped out. If we are able to benefit from this level of coverage — shouldn't our constituents as well?
Maintaining strong mental health is just as important as maintaining strong physical health, and it is critical that we pass the strongest parity bill possible today. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.... | |
