Monday, April 04, 2005

Pared-down mental health bill receives subcommittee approval (Alabama) Tuscaloosa News story - "A House panel has approved a bill that would require insurance companies to cover mental illness treatment but it limits how long the coverage would last each year. A House subcommittee on Wednesday approved the bill that would require coverage for nine mental disabilities including major depression and bipolar disorder. The proposal would limit coverage to 105 days a year. Key lawmakers insisted a cap was the bill's only chance of passing..."  
  

Mental health bill debated (South Carolina) Island Packet Online story - "Most people with health insurance in South Carolina could get more mental health coverage under a bill working its way through the state House of Representatives. But mental health officials argue the bill doesn't go far enough to provide equal coverage for mental and physical illnesses, despite the increased coverage the legislation would require. Others representing businesses claim the coverage would increase premiums for all those with insurance unless the diseases and amount of treatment are restricted..."