For Immediate Release                                       Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
September 22, 2003

Napolitano Urges Expansion of Medicare Mental Health Coverage

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA38), Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, spearheaded a recent Caucus effort to urge members of the House and Senate conference committee on the Medicare modernization and prescription drug bill to reduce the 50% coinsurance that beneficiaries pay for mental health services.  “Many seniors cannot afford essential services needed to treat their depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other serious mental illnesses.  Our seniors need and deserve better coverage now,” explained Napolitano.

The Caucus sent a letter to the conferees in which it noted that for physical illnesses and disorders Medicare beneficiaries only pay a 20% coinsurance.  “Mental disorders are just as serious and can be just as debilitating as physical disorders.  The current policy discriminates against a very vulnerable population.   The medical community and patient advocates know this, and it is time for Medicare to recognize this fact and change its policies,” commented Napolitano.

In its letter the Caucus pointed out that Medicare’s high coinsurance for mental health services is out of step with the private sector and other federal programs.  Citing an article in Health Affairs, the Caucus noted that 91% of those businesses requiring their workers to pay coinsurance for outpatient mental health care required coinsurance of 20% or less.  Likewise the FEHBP (Federal Employee Health Benefits Program) requires non-discriminatory coverage of mental health care for in-network care received by federal employees.

The Caucus also highlighted the particular mental health needs of seniors.  “Older people have the highest rate of suicide in the country, and untreated depression is a major factor in the risk of suicide,” the Caucus letter notes.

“Affordable mental health care is a necessity, and I sincerely hope that the Medicare conferees will address this problem in the final Medicare modernization legislation,” concluded Napolitano.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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