|
Links |
|
Activities |
|
About |
|
Leadership |
|
Fund Development |
|
Quick Links |
|
MACED News |
|
MACED News |
|
For questions, comments and
technical issues regarding this site, contact webmaster
here |
|
New Programs |
|
Site Updates |
|
Welcome to the new home of the Michigan
Association for Children with Emotional Disorders. Check back often for exciting new updates
to the MACED website. |
|
Contact with State
Senators needed on mental health parity bills Legislation moving Michigan toward
parity (equality) in private insurance coverage of mental and emotional
disorders may be reported out by a Senate Committee this fall for full Senate
consideration. The Senate Health Policy Committee
has held five hearings on Senate Bills 4 and 5, which would prevent private
insurers from discriminating against mental and emotional disorders. It is the rule rather than the exception
for private plans in Michigan (one of only 15 states without parity law) to
require significantly greater out-of-pocket expenses for mental health than
for other medical care, and to offer significantly fewer benefits for mental
health compared to other medical care.
Research has shown that families with children experiencing emotional
disorders are among the hardest hit by this insurance discrimination. The Senate Health Policy Committee
is generally supportive of the concept of mental health insurance parity, and
it is possible that the Committee will report out some manner of parity
legislation this fall for full senate consideration. Please contact your state Senator and tell
him or her that you expect and are counting on his/her support for parity
legislation. If your family has a
personal story to tell, please include that in your communication. Matching bills have also been
introduced in the state House. These are House Bills 4888 and 4889, with 37
sponsors (over one-third of the House).
Interested individuals should also feel fre to communicate with their
state Representatives on this issue. |
