Mental Health Parity Act

Stations, the following is a news announcement. Suggested lead in 3, 2, 1...

(INTRO)

More than 44 million Americans have a mental health disorder, yet only one-third receive treatment. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this summer on a bill which will ensure that private health insurance plans provide the same level of care for mental health disorders as they do for physical ailments.

Dr. Russ Newman of the American Psychological Association says the Mental Health Parity Act will help improve the psychological health of the nation.

(NEWMAN)

INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS FOR YEARS BY CHARGING HIGHER CO-PAYS AND DEDUCTIBLES OR PLACING ARBITRARY LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF TREATMENT SESSIONS. THIS IS SHORTSIGHTED AND FAILS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF WHAT PEOPLE INCREASINGLY UNDERSTAND - THAT THE MIND AND BODY ARE INEXTRICABLY LINKED. THE SENATE BILL WILL HELP MILLIONS OF AMERICANS GET THE CARE THEY NEED.

(CLOSE)

The bill will impact more than 113 million Americans, by including all private employer health plans covering more than 50 employees. For more information, visit www.apahelpcenter.org.