House passes measure expanding mental health parity law

By Associated Press

Summary

The House today passed a measure that would expand a mental health parity law to small companies. The measure requires health insurers to offer the same level of coverage for mental health as they do for physical health.

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Story Published: Feb 28, 2007 at 5:02 PM PST

Story Updated: Feb 28, 2007 at 5:02 PM PST

House passes measure expanding mental health parity law
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The House today passed a measure that would expand a mental health parity law to small companies.

The measure requires health insurers to offer the same level of coverage for mental health as they do for physical health. For example, if the co-payment for a cholesterol drug is $10, the co-payment for antidepressants would be $10. If your health plan allows unlimited doctor visits for colds and sprains, there can't be a cap on therapy sessions.

The bill passed on a 75-to-22 vote, with one lawmaker excused. It expands a mental health parity law passed in 2005 that required that all large-group health insurance policies provide equal coverage for medical and mental health treatment.

Opponents said that the mandates push unsustainable costs onto small businesses and doesn't help people who don't have insurance.