Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) on Wednesday released a summary of 14 field hearings conducted nationwide on mental health parity legislation, CQ HealthBeat reports (Carey, CQ HealthBeat, 5/2). Legislation (HR 1424) sponsored by the two lawmakers would require health insurers to provide reimbursements, copayments, deductibles and limits on physician visits for mental health care at the same level as for physical care (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 1/17). Under the bill, insurers would be required to provide coverage for all conditions listed in the DSM-IV, the health field's manual of mental disorders.

The field hearings were conducted to gather information from mental health treatment providers, employers, law enforcement officials and consumers about their experiences with mental health illness and addiction disorders. Kennedy and Ramstad cited statistics released by the Government Accountability Office that found that close to 90% of insurance plans impose financial limitations and treatment restrictions on mental health care.

Kennedy, Ramstad and other lawmakers hope that the new report will help "make the case for quick action this year" on mental health parity, according to CQ HealthBeat (Carey, CQ HealthBeat, 5/2). House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that committees with jurisdiction over the bill would take action this month, with full House consideration "on the near horizon." Ramstad said, "It is time to end discrimination against people with mental illness and chemical addiction" (Mulligan, Providence Journal, 5/3).

"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.