Alexandria, Va., October 6, 2008 - By a vote of 263 to 171, the U.S. House of Representatives, on October 3, 2008, gave final approval to the Paul Wellstone-Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, as part of the Emergency Stabilization Act (H.R. 1424). President George W. Bush signed the legislation into law several hours later.
The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) applauds the 110th Congress for including the mental health and substance abuse parity language in the economic rescue legislation, and the President for signing this legislation into law. Enactment of the bill ends nearly a decade long effort to require group health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the same terms and conditions as for all other illnesses.
"AMHCA commends the 110th Congress, particularly sponsors of the parity legislation, Sens. Pete Domenici (R-NM) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN), for their tireless efforts to ensure that this legislation was enacted during the remaining hours of the 110th Congress, said AMHCA President Victoria A. Sardi, Ph.D., LPC. As a result of this legislation, Americans who suffer from mental and addiction disorders will now have greater access to the services they need to live more productive and meaningful lives."
AMHCA also appreciates its members, as well as other mental health and addiction advocates from across the country, who contacted their Senators and House members to push for consideration of this legislation. Without their advocacy on this issue, we would not have seen the ultimate enactment of this landmark bill during the 110th Congress.