Health Subcommittee Markup, RE: H.R. 1424, the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007"
WASHINGTON, DC,
Oct 10, 2007 -
Mental illness and addiction burden many people. The cost of treatment keeps many patients from completing their treatment programs or keeps those in need from seeking help in the first place. Those with health insurance may find that the few visits allowed per year do not adequately cover their illness, or they may find a lack of in-network providers where they live. One possible solution to this problem is offered in HR 1424. However, I am not convinced that this bill, in its current form, is the best way to ensure that those with mental health or addiction needs the treatment they require.
Mandates from Congress to private insurers impact the cost of healthcare. Having workers not get treatment costs employers in lost productivity, but making plans too top-heavy with mandates to the point that employers cannot afford to provide any mental health benefits hurts those we are trying to help. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was not designed for the purpose of determining what should or should not be paid for by insurance companies, and so it is inappropriate to use it in that way. It is a professional tool to guide mental health practitioners, and it is almost totally useless to those without the necessary training in mental health. Preventing stigma and stereotypes from influencing what insurers consider worthy of coverage is an admirable goal, but simply submitting an entire professional document only creates confusion.
I hope that as we proceed, we will clarify what we mean by mandating coverage of the entire DSM IV as well as find a way to prevent escalating costs from threatening all mental health and addiction benefits. I look forward to working with the Ranking Member and the Chairman.
