It’s Time for Mental Health Parity for all Oregonians
Nearly six in ten Americans will suffer from an anxiety disorder, clinical depression, or a substance abuse problem before they turn 32, according to a study from Duke University. Millions more will experience other emotional problems or have a family member who does, experts say. A psychological illness is not a rarity – it’s just more stigmatized than a physical disease.
In 2005, Oregon’s legislators passed mental health parity. It required group health insurance policies to cover chemical dependency and mental or nervous conditions at the same level and with no more restrictions than a physical disorder. That law became effective Jan.1, 2007.
But the legislation left off people who purchase their own insurance policies. While I applaud our legislators for passing this very important law, what about the rest of the citizens of Oregon?
I am a mother and a small business owner who pays more than $600 every month for our family’s health insurance policy from one of the largest insurance companies in Oregon. Yet we do not have mental health coverage. During 2009, we paid more than $5,000 for mental health services (as well as $7,200 in insurance premiums).
We shouldn’t have to pay out of our pocket for a psychiatric disorder such as clinic depression or bipolar disease. These conditions are just as real and complex as a diagnosis of cancer or congestive heart failure that may threaten our lives.
Because of this injustice, my family has had to struggle to pay for counseling appointments that cost $100 an hour.
Our legislators need to correct this deficiency in Oregon’s law, and they have that opportunity during the special session in February. They need to do what’s right for our citizens who are suffering.
Many Oregonians live each day with mental illness, and their family members carry their pain sometimes for generations to find the hope and healing that will break the chain.
Our leaders need to stand up for these Oregonians whose voices often go unheard. It’s their moral obligation.
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Jamie Martin is absolutely correct. The parity for mental health benefits that now exists for group policies in Oregon law, and for policies under federal law, should be universal. Whether the "mental health offset" in premium costs (the reduction in medical costs when mental health issues are treated appropriately, rather than neglected for lack of coverage) is complete, or whether mental health parity costs 1-2 percent more in premiums ( a fair worst-case estimate), everyone should have the benefit of knowing all serious health problems are insured, including serious mental health and substance addiction problems. It is time for this to be done with as an issue.