Pubdate: Thu, 17 Jan 2002
Source: Beckley Register-Herald (WV)
Copyright: 2002 The Register-Herald
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd86
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441
Author: Bev Davis

W VA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION WANTS MENTAL PARITY LEGISLATION

People with mental illness and substance abuse disorders deserve insurance 
coverage equal to patients with other types of illness and disease, the 
West Virginia State Medical Association asserts in its legislative position 
agenda. West Virginia is one of eight states not providing equal coverage, 
and WVSMA lobbyists will push for mental health parity during this 
legislative session, WVSMA president Ahmed Faheem of Beckley said.

"As a psychiatrist, I see on a daily basis the inequities we have in 
providing insurance for people with mental illness and substance abuse 
disorders. West Virginia needs to make some changes, and hopefully, we will 
see those happen this year," Faheem said.

Beckley psychiatrist Dr. M.K. Hasan said the lack of insurance coverage 
causes many people to forego treatment.

"Right now, people with many types of mental illness cannot get the same 
kind of coverage, and they have to pay far more for the medications they 
need," Hasan said. "Some people just can't afford it, so they don't get the 
help they need."

Dr. Dan Cowell, chairman of the psychiatry department at Marshall 
University, said West Virginia has no mental health parity, and lobbyists 
want to see the state move in the direction of 32 others that have added 
limited or full parity as a state mandate.

"For too long, we have deemed those who suffer from mental illness and 
substance abuse disorders unworthy of fair health insurance coverage. 
Comprehensive parity legislation ends this discrimination by ensuring that 
mental health and substance abuse disorders receive the same insurance 
coverage as physical illnesses do," Cowell said.

Some of the disorders excluded from coverage affect many children and 
teens, the doctors say.

"Young people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, multiple 
personality disorders, post-traumatic stress syndrome are excluded. 
Children with serious mental and emotional disorders are excluded. These 
disorders can be just as debilitating as severe mental illnesses," Cowell said.

According to a 1993 report compiled by the National Advisory Mental Health 
Council, the estimated national cost of providing mental health coverage 
equal to physical health coverage amounts to $6.5 billion. Equal coverage, 
or parity, would save $2.2 billion, the study said.

Proponents of parity say the move would decrease employee absenteeism, 
lower drug-related crime rates and improve scholastic performance.

Opponents say providing insurance coverage will raise insurance premium 
costs to a level too high for the average citizen to pay and can indirectly 
support substance abuse.

"A number of studies have shown that rates rise only between 1 to 4 
percent," Faheem said. "Thirty-two other states have passed some form of 
mental health parity legislation, and those states have found it to be a 
good move. Untreated mental health and substance abuse disorders have a 
huge impact on the economy. These other states have found, that in the long 
run, they save money by providing parity."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth