"Mental health parity" is insurance coverage for mental health and substance abuse on apar with coverage for other diseases. Parity legislation is pending in the New York state Senate. The same bill passed the New York State Assembly by an overwhelming vote of 139 to 11. Thirty five of the 50 states have passed mental health parity laws.

I am puzzled to read of opposition to this legislation on the part of the New York State Conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. It is easier to understand the position of the business community: They have been led to believe such insurance will break the bank.

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