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October 06, 2009
Extent of mental healthcare reform seen as uncertain.
The Baltimore Sun (10/4, Cohn) reported that, according to the Coalition for Whole Health, Mental Health America, "30 million Americans...have no medical or mental health coverage," and "more lack mental healthcare or are underinsured."
Even though congressional "lawmakers have included some provisions for the mentally ill" in healthcare reform bills, "high costs and competing needs mean the amount of care and the number of people who would get it remain uncertain."
The "Council for Affordable Health Insurance, which represents small insurance companies," says that "premiums could rise one...to three percent for everyone if basic mental health benefits were mandated, and more for fuller coverage." But, "mental health disorders and addiction cost US businesses $171 billion a year in lost productivity," the Campaign for Mental Health Reform estimates, not counting "costs to the criminal justice system" and other societal costs.
Related Links:
- A cry for mental health change," Meredith Cohn, The Baltimore Sun, October 4, 2009.
Posted by admin at October 6, 2009 01:42 AM