The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 268 to 148 to approve legislation that would require group health plans to apply the same beneficiary financial requirements for mental health benefits as they apply for medical benefits, including limits on deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses.
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Download NowThe Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 (HR 1424) would require that group health plans apply the same treatment limits on mental health benefits and addiction treatment benefits as they do for medical and surgical benefits..
The legislation would prohibit group health plans from establishing cost-sharing requirements that are specific to mental health benefits.
Business groups, such as the National Association of Manufacturers, oppose the legislation, arguing that the bill would increase health coverage costs for both workers and employers. The association says it is particularly concerned about a provision that would require "companies with health plans that include some mental health coverage to cover all mental illnesses listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders."
In September 2007, the Senate passed legislation that would require parity in coverage of mental and physical illnesses. The House version is more expansive, however. Business groups favor the Senate bill.
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