Thursday, March 31, 2005

Bills could affect mental health services (Texas) Kerrville Daily Times story - "Kerr County Judge Pat Tinley gave a lengthy explanation Monday regarding legislation that, in his opinion, could adversely affect the rural mental health authorities and their funding. The two bills currently in the Legislature that could potentially affect the funding and mental health services, HB470 and SB194, target the “delivery of aging, disability, behavioral health and mental retardation services.” The state is attempting to consolidate funding on a local level."  
  

Compromise mental health bill advances (South Carolina) Story at The State - "A bill that would require insurance companies to cover treatment for mental illness in South Carolina is a step closer to a full airing in the General Assembly. After an emotional — sometimes nasty — public hearing, the House subcommittee on insurance on Wednesday passed a pared-down version of a Senate bill that offers coverage for nine mental disorders. Attempts to pass a state law adding mental health coverage to standard insurance policies have failed since 1996. In a compromise forged Wednesday, insurance coverage for the mentally ill would be limited to a total of 105 days a year. Key lawmakers insisted a cap was the bill’s only chance of passage. In the end, mental health advocates gave in..."