Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Sept. 24 news story "Congress Approves Mental Health Bill" noted that legislation that has passed both the House and Senate would prohibit insurers from providing benefits for mental health treatment more limited than those for medical or surgical problems. The article stated that this bill would bring private insurers in states that don't have such a law in line with insurers such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which "cover[s] mental and physical illnesses equally."

In my experience, FEHBP does not cover mental and physical illnesses equally. While I can visit a physician for general medical care as often as I like -- or at least for as long as I can afford the co-payments -- I can receive mental health care in an individual or group therapeutic setting only 26 times a year.

In short, if I needed treatment for diabetes or cancer or heart disease, there would be no limits other than those set by my ability to pay. But if I needed treatment for depression or schizophrenia or other mental health problems, there would indeed be limits. This hardly seems like parity in coverage.

RALSTON COX

Washington