Del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Reddit
Newsvine
co.mments
Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
To amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment, and for other purposes.
Other Bill Titles
- Official: To amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment, and for other purposes. as amended by house.
- Official: To amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, and section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans. as introduced.
- Short: Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 as passed house.
- Short: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 as passed house.
- Short: Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 as reported to house.
- Short: Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007 as introduced.
- Official: To amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, and section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment, and for other purposes. as amended by house.
3/5/2008--Passed House amended. Division A: Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 - Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act (PSHA), and the Inte more...rnal Revenue Code to require group health plans to apply the same treatment limits on mental health or substance-related disorder benefits as they do for medical and surgical benefits (parity requirement). Extends such parity requirement to inpatient and outpatient services, whether in-network or out-of-network, and to emergency care services. Defines "treatment limit" under a group health plan as a limitation on the number of visits or days of coverage, or other similar limit on the duration or scope of treatment. Requires group health plans to apply the same beneficiary financial requirements to mental health or substance-related disorder benefits as they apply for medical and surgical benefits, including limits on deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses. Revises the definition of "mental health benefits" to include substance-related disorder benefits. Requires plan administrators to make the criteria for medical necessity determinations with respect to mental health and substance-related disorder benefits available to plan participants, beneficiaries, or providers upon request. Sets forth the minimum scope of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under a group health plan. Requires such plans offering out-of-network coverage to apply the same coverage offered for medical and surgical services to mental health and substance-related benefits. Allows group health plans an increased exemption of 2% of the actual costs of coverage of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits in the first plan year after initiation or 1% in each subsequent year. Revises the similar exemption for small employers.
Makes the amendments made by this Act applicable to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, and to group health plans under a collective bargaining agreement at the expiration of such agreement or by January 1, 2009. Requires the Secretary of Labor to:
(1) annually sample and conduct random audits of group health plans to determine compliance with this Act; and
(2) provide assistance to plan participants and beneficiaries in complying with the requirements of this Act. Declares that nothing in this Act preempts state laws that provide greater consumer protections and benefits than those provided by this Act.
Increases from 15.1% to 20.1% after December 31, 2008, and before January 1, 2015, the minimum Medicaid drug rebate percentage drug manufacturers must agree to for covered outpatient drugs.
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to set forth new requirements for the hospital exception to the general prohibition against physician referral of Medicare patients for certain services to facilities in which such physicians or their immediate family members have financial interests (self-referral). Requires hospitals to develop procedures to prevent conflicts of interest, ensure bona fide investment, and safeguard patients. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish policies and procedures to ensure compliance with such requirements and to conduct audits to determine if hospitals have violated such requirements.
Increases the amount available to the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund (PAQI Fund) in 2013.
Requires the Comptroller General to:
(1) evaluate the effect of the implementation of this Act on the cost of health insurance coverage and related matters;
(2) submit biannual reports to Congress on obstacles faced by individuals in obtaining mental health and substance-related disorder care under their health plans; and
(3) report to Congress on the availability of uniform patient placement criteria for mental health and substance-related disorders for guiding determinations of medical necessity. Division B: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 - Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 - Title I: Genetic Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance -
(Sec. 101) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a group health plan from adjusting premium or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of genetic information.
Prohibits a group health plan from requesting or requiring an individual or family member of an individual from undergoing a genetic test. Provides that such prohibition does not:
(1) limit the authority of a health care professional to request an individual to undergo a genetic test; or
(2) preclude a group health plan from obtaining or using the results of a genetic test in making a determination regarding payment. Requires the plan to request only the minimum amount of information necessary to accomplish the intended purpose.
Allows a group health plan to request, but not require, a participant or beneficiary to undergo a genetic test for research purposes if certain requirements are met, including:
(1) the plan clearly indicates that compliance is voluntary and that noncompliance will have no effect on enrollment status or premium or contribution amounts;
(2) no genetic information collected or acquired is used for underwriting purposes; and
(3) the plan notifies the Secretary of Health and Human Services that it is conducting activities pursuant to this exception and includes a description of the activities.
Prohibits a group health plan from requesting, requiring, or purchasing genetic information:
(1) for underwriting purposes; or
(2) with respect to any individual prior to such individual's enrollment in a plan. Applies such prohibitions to all group health plans, including small group health plans.
Provides that any reference to genetic information concerning an individual or family member includes genetic information of:
(1) a fetus carried by a pregnant woman; and
(2) an embryo legally held by an individual or family member utilizing an assisted reproductive technology.
Authorizes a penalty against any sponsor of a group health plan for any failure to meet requirements of this Act. Allows a waiver or limitation of penalties if such failure was not discovered after exercising reasonable diligence or was due to reasonable cause.
(Sec. 102) Amends the PHSA to prohibit:
(1) a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual market from establishing eligibility rules for enrollment based on genetic information;
(2) discrimination on the basis of genetic information for health insurance offered in the individual market in the same manner as such discrimination is prohibited for group coverage; and
(3) the imposition by a health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual market of a preexisting condition exclusion on the basis of genetic information.
Applies such requirements to nonfederal governmental plans.
(Sec. 104) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to prohibit an issuer of a Medicare supplemental policy, on the basis of genetic information, from:
(1) denying or conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of the policy, including the imposition of any exclusion of benefits based on a preexisting condition; or
(2) discriminating in the pricing of the policy, including the adjustment of premium rates.
Prohibits an issuer of a Medicare supplemental policy from:
(1) requesting or requiring an individual or a family member to undergo a genetic test; or
(2) requesting, requiring, or purchasing genetic information for underwriting purposes or for any individual prior to enrollment.
(Sec. 105) Amends title XI (General Provisions, Peer Review, and Administrative Simplification) of SSA to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) privacy regulations to:
(1) treat genetic information as health information; and
(2) prohibit the use or disclosure by a group health plan, health insurance coverage, or Medicare supplemental policy of genetic information about an individual for underwriting purposes.
(Sec. 106) Requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury to ensure that their regulations, rulings, and interpretations under this title are administered to have the same effect at all times and that they adopt a coordinated enforcement strategy.
Title II: Prohibiting Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Genetic Information -
(Sec. 202) Prohibits, as an unlawful employment practice, an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee from discriminating against an employee, individual, or member because of genetic information, including:
(1) for an employer, by failing to hire or discharging an employee or otherwise discriminating against an employee with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment;
(2) for an employment agency, by failing or refusing to refer an individual for employment;
(3) for a labor organization, by excluding or expelling a member from the organization;
(4) for an employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee, by causing or attempting to cause an employer to discriminate against a member in violation of this Act; or
(5) for an employer, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee, by discriminating against an individual in admission to, or employment in, any program established to provide apprenticeships or other training or retraining.
Prohibits, as an unlawful employment practice, an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee from limiting, segregating, or classifying employees, individuals, or members because of genetic information in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive such individuals of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect their status as an employee.
Prohibits, as an unlawful employment practice, an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee from requesting, requiring, or purchasing an employee's genetic information, except for certain purposes, which include where:
(1) such information is requested or required to comply with certification requirements of family and medical leave laws;
(2) the information involved is to be used for genetic monitoring of the biological effects of toxic substances in the workplace; and
(3) the employer conducts DNA analysis for law enforcement purposes as a forensic laboratory.
(Sec. 206) Requires an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee that possesses any genetic information about an employee or member to maintain such information in separate files and treat such information as a confidential medical record.
Prohibits an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee from disclosing such genetic information, except:
(1) to the employee or member upon request;
(2) to an occupational or other health researcher;
(3) in response to a court order;
(4) to a government official investigating compliance with this Act if the information is relevant to the investigation; or
(5) in connection with the employee's compliance with the certification provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 or such requirements under State family and medical leave laws.
(Sec. 207) Sets forth provisions regarding enforcement of this Act.
(Sec. 208) Provides that disparate impact on the basis of genetic information does not establish a cause of action under this Act.
Establishes the Genetic Nondiscrimination Study Commission six years after enactment of this Act to review the developing science of genetics and to make recommendations to Congress regarding whether to provide a disparate impact cause of action under this Act. Authorizes appropriations to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to carry out this section.
(Sec. 212) Authorizes appropriations.
Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions -
(Sec. 301) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to lower the percentage of a borrower's student loan payment made under the Federal Family Education Loan program subsequent to default that a guaranty agency may retain for deposit in its operating fund if the Secretary of Education has already reimbursed it for such default.
(Sec. 302) Provides that if any provision of this Act, an amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected.
Voting History
| Date | Chamber | Question | Aye | Nay | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 05, 2008 | House | On Passage: H R 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act | 268 | 148 | Passed | Details |
| March 05, 2008 | House | On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: H R 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act | 196 | 221 | Failed | Details |
| March 05, 2008 | House | Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair: H R 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act | 223 | 186 | Passed | Details |
| March 05, 2008 | House | On Passage: H R 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act | 268 | 148 | Passed | Details |
| March 05, 2008 | House | On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: H R 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act | 196 | 221 | Failed | Details |
| March 05, 2008 | House | Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair: H R 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act | 223 | 186 | Passed | Details |
All Bill Actions
- Added to calendar on Mar 07, 2008: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 610..
- Mar 06, 2008: Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
- Mar 05, 2008: Pursuant to section 2 of H. Res. 1014, the text of H.R. 493, as passed by the House, will be appended to the engrossment of H.R. 1424.
- Passed roll in the House on Mar 05, 2008. On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 268 - 148 (Roll no. 101).
- Mar 05, 2008: On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 196 - 221 (Roll no. 100).
- Mar 05, 2008: The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
- Mar 05, 2008: Floor summary: DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Kline motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of new text entitled "Mental Health Parity Act of 2008".
- Mar 05, 2008: Mr. Kline (MN) moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.
- Mar 05, 2008: On motion to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 223 - 186, 1 Present (Roll no. 99).
- Mar 05, 2008: Mr. Pallone moved to table the motion to appeal the ruling of the chair
- Mar 05, 2008: Mr. Hoekstra appealed the ruling of the chair. The question was then put on sustaining the ruling of the chair.
- Mar 05, 2008: Point of order sustained against the motion to recommit with instructions.
- Mar 05, 2008: Mr. Pallone raised a point of order against the motion to recommit with instructions. Mr. Pallone stated that the motion to recommit with instructions sought to insert non-germane material into the bill. Sustained by the Chair.
- Mar 05, 2008: DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hoekstra motion to recommit with instructions, pending reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with a complete new text consisting of the bill H.R. 3773, as passed by the House.
- Mar 05, 2008: Mr. Hoekstra moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.
- Mar 05, 2008: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Mar 05, 2008: DEBATE - The House proceeded with two hours of debate on H.R. 1424.
- Mar 05, 2008: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1424 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
- Mar 05, 2008: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1014.
- Mar 05, 2008: Rule H. Res. 1014 passed House.
- Mar 04, 2008: Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1014 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1424 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
- Added to calendar on Mar 04, 2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 328..
- Mar 04, 2008: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 110-374, Part III.
- Added to calendar on Oct 16, 2007: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 32 - 13..
- Oct 16, 2007: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- Oct 15, 2007: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 110-374, Part II.
- Oct 15, 2007: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 110-374, Part I.
- Oct 10, 2007: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
- Oct 10, 2007: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- Added to calendar on Sep 26, 2007: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 13..
- Sep 26, 2007: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- Sep 19, 2007: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 10 - 3 .
- Sep 19, 2007: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- Added to calendar on Jul 18, 2007: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 33 - 9..
- Jul 18, 2007: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
- Jun 27, 2007: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.
- Jun 15, 2007: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
- Mar 14, 2007: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Mar 12, 2007: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Mar 09, 2007: Referred to House Ways and Means
- Mar 09, 2007: Referred to House Education and Labor
- Mar 09, 2007: Referred to House Energy and Commerce
- Mar 09, 2007: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced on Mar 09, 2007.
Bill Status
Sponsor
- Rep. Patrick Kennedy [D, RI-1]
- and 274 Co-Sponsors
- Rep. Neil Abercrombie [D, HI-1]
- Rep. Gary Ackerman [D, NY-5]
- Rep. Rodney Alexander [R, LA-5]
- Rep. Thomas Allen [D, ME-1]
- Rep. Jason Altmire [D, PA-4]
- Rep. Robert Andrews [D, NJ-1]
- Rep. Michael Arcuri [D, NY-24]
- Rep. Joe Baca [D, CA-43]
- Rep. Spencer Bachus [R, AL-6]
- Rep. Brian Baird [D, WA-3]
- Rep. Tammy Baldwin [D, WI-2]
- Rep. John Barrow [D, GA-12]
- Rep. Melissa Bean [D, IL-8]
- Rep. Xavier Becerra [D, CA-31]
- Rep. Shelley Berkley [D, NV-1]
- Rep. Howard Berman [D, CA-28]
- Rep. Robert Berry [D, AR-1]
- Rep. Sanford Bishop [D, GA-2]
- Rep. Timothy Bishop [D, NY-1]
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer [D, OR-3]
- Rep. Jo Bonner [R, AL-1]
- Rep. Mary Bono Mack [R, CA-45]
- Rep. Madeleine Bordallo [D, GU-0]
- Rep. Dan Boren [D, OK-2]
- Rep. Leonard Boswell [D, IA-3]
- Rep. Frederick Boucher [D, VA-9]
- Rep. F. Allen Boyd [D, FL-2]
- Rep. Nancy Boyda [D, KS-2]
- Rep. Robert Brady [D, PA-1]
- Rep. Bruce Braley [D, IA-1]
- Rep. Corrine Brown [D, FL-3]
- Rep. George Butterfield [D, NC-1]
- Rep. Shelley Capito [R, WV-2]
- Rep. Lois Capps [D, CA-23]
- Rep. Michael Capuano [D, MA-8]
- Rep. Dennis Cardoza [D, CA-18]
- Rep. Russ Carnahan [D, MO-3]
- Rep. Christopher Carney [D, PA-10]
- Rep. Julia Carson [D, IN-7]
- Rep. Kathy Castor [D, FL-11]
- Rep. Ben Chandler [D, KY-6]
- Rep. Donna Christensen [D, VI-0]
- Rep. Yvette Clarke [D, NY-11]
- Rep. William Clay [D, MO-1]
- Rep. Emanuel Cleaver [D, MO-5]
- Rep. James Clyburn [D, SC-6]
- Rep. Steve Cohen [D, TN-9]
- Rep. John Conyers [D, MI-14]
- Rep. Jim Cooper [D, TN-5]
- Rep. Jim Costa [D, CA-20]
- Rep. Jerry Costello [D, IL-12]
- Rep. Joe Courtney [D, CT-2]
- Rep. Robert Cramer [D, AL-5]
- Rep. Joseph Crowley [D, NY-7]
- Rep. Barbara Cubin [R, WY-0]
- Rep. Henry Cuellar [D, TX-28]
- Rep. Elijah Cummings [D, MD-7]
- Rep. Artur Davis [D, AL-7]
- Rep. Danny Davis [D, IL-7]
- Rep. Lincoln Davis [D, TN-4]
- Rep. Susan Davis [D, CA-53]
- Rep. Peter DeFazio [D, OR-4]
- Rep. Diana DeGette [D, CO-1]
- Rep. William Delahunt [D, MA-10]
- Rep. Rosa DeLauro [D, CT-3]
- Rep. Charles Dent [R, PA-15]
- Rep. Norman Dicks [D, WA-6]
- Rep. John Dingell [D, MI-15]
- Rep. Lloyd Doggett [D, TX-25]
- Rep. Joe Donnelly [D, IN-2]
- Rep. Michael Doyle [D, PA-14]
- Rep. Thomas Edwards [D, TX-17]
- Rep. Vernon Ehlers [R, MI-3]
- Rep. Keith Ellison [D, MN-5]
- Rep. Brad Ellsworth [D, IN-8]
- Rep. Rahm Emanuel [D, IL-5]
- Rep. Jo Ann Emerson [R, MO-8]
- Rep. Eliot Engel [D, NY-17]
- Rep. Philip English [R, PA-3]
- Rep. Anna Eshoo [D, CA-14]
- Rep. Bob Etheridge [D, NC-2]
- Rep. Eni Faleomavaega [D, AS-0]
- Rep. Sam Farr [D, CA-17]
- Rep. Chaka Fattah [D, PA-2]
- Rep. Michael Ferguson [R, NJ-7]
- Rep. Bob Filner [D, CA-51]
- Rep. Barney Frank [D, MA-4]
- Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen [R, NJ-11]
- Rep. Jim Gerlach [R, PA-6]
- Rep. Gabrielle Giffords [D, AZ-8]
- Rep. Wayne Gilchrest [R, MD-1]
- Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand [D, NY-20]
- Rep. Paul Gillmor [R, OH-5]
- Rep. Charles Gonzalez [D, TX-20]
- Rep. Barton Gordon [D, TN-6]
- Rep. Al Green [D, TX-9]
- Rep. Raymond Green [D, TX-29]
- Rep. Raul Grijalva [D, AZ-7]
- Rep. Luis Gutierrez [D, IL-4]
- Rep. John Hall [D, NY-19]
- Rep. Phil Hare [D, IL-17]
- Rep. Jane Harman [D, CA-36]
- Rep. Alcee Hastings [D, FL-23]
- Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin [D, SD-0]
- Rep. Brian Higgins [D, NY-27]
- Rep. Baron Hill [D, IN-9]
- Rep. Maurice Hinchey [D, NY-22]
- Rep. Rubén Hinojosa [D, TX-15]
- Rep. Mazie Hirono [D, HI-2]
- Rep. Paul Hodes [D, NH-2]
- Rep. Tim Holden [D, PA-17]
- Rep. Rush Holt [D, NJ-12]
- Rep. Michael Honda [D, CA-15]
- Rep. Darlene Hooley [D, OR-5]
- Rep. Steny Hoyer [D, MD-5]
- Rep. Jay Inslee [D, WA-1]
- Rep. Steve Israel [D, NY-2]
- Rep. Jesse Jackson [D, IL-2]
- Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D, TX-18]
- Rep. William Jefferson [D, LA-2]
- Rep. Eddie Johnson [D, TX-30]
- Rep. Henry Johnson [D, GA-4]
- Rep. Stephanie Jones [D, OH-11]
- Rep. Steve Kagen [D, WI-8]
- Rep. Paul Kanjorski [D, PA-11]
- Rep. Marcy Kaptur [D, OH-9]
- Rep. Ric Keller [R, FL-8]
- Rep. Dale Kildee [D, MI-5]
- Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick [D, MI-13]
- Rep. Ronald Kind [D, WI-3]
- Rep. Peter King [R, NY-3]
- Rep. Mark Kirk [R, IL-10]
- Rep. Ron Klein [D, FL-22]
- Rep. Dennis Kucinich [D, OH-10]
- Rep. Ray LaHood [R, IL-18]
- Rep. Nicholas Lampson [D, TX-22]
- Rep. James Langevin [D, RI-2]
- Rep. Tom Lantos [D, CA-12]
- Rep. Rick Larsen [D, WA-2]
- Rep. John Larson [D, CT-1]
- Rep. Steven LaTourette [R, OH-14]
- Rep. Barbara Lee [D, CA-9]
- Rep. Sander Levin [D, MI-12]
- Rep. John Lewis [D, GA-5]
- Rep. Daniel Lipinski [D, IL-3]
- Rep. Frank LoBiondo [R, NJ-2]
- Rep. David Loebsack [D, IA-2]
- Rep. Zoe Lofgren [D, CA-16]
- Rep. Nita Lowey [D, NY-18]
- Rep. Stephen Lynch [D, MA-9]
- Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D, NY-14]
- Rep. Edward Markey [D, MA-7]
- Rep. James Marshall [D, GA-8]
- Rep. Jim Matheson [D, UT-2]
- Rep. Doris Matsui [D, CA-5]
- Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D, NY-4]
- Rep. Betty McCollum [D, MN-4]
- Rep. James McDermott [D, WA-7]
- Rep. James McGovern [D, MA-3]
- Rep. John McHugh [R, NY-23]
- Rep. Mike McIntyre [D, NC-7]
- Rep. Jerry McNerney [D, CA-11]
- Rep. Michael McNulty [D, NY-21]
- Rep. Martin Meehan [D, MA-5]
- Rep. Kendrick Meek [D, FL-17]
- Rep. Gregory Meeks [D, NY-6]
- Rep. Charles Melancon [D, LA-3]
- Rep. John Mica [R, FL-7]
- Rep. Michael Michaud [D, ME-2]
- Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald [D, CA-37]
- Rep. George Miller [D, CA-7]
- Rep. R. Bradley Miller [D, NC-13]
- Rep. Harry Mitchell [D, AZ-5]
- Rep. Alan Mollohan [D, WV-1]
- Rep. Dennis Moore [D, KS-3]
- Rep. Gwen Moore [D, WI-4]
- Rep. James Moran [D, VA-8]
- Rep. Christopher Murphy [D, CT-5]
- Rep. Tim Murphy [R, PA-18]
- Rep. Patrick Murphy [D, PA-8]
- Rep. John Murtha [D, PA-12]
- Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D, NY-8]
- Rep. Grace Napolitano [D, CA-38]
- Rep. Richard Neal [D, MA-2]
- Rep. Eleanor Norton [D, DC-0]
- Rep. James Oberstar [D, MN-8]
- Rep. David Obey [D, WI-7]
- Rep. John Olver [D, MA-1]
- Rep. Solomon Ortiz [D, TX-27]
- Rep. Frank Pallone [D, NJ-6]
- Rep. William Pascrell [D, NJ-8]
- Rep. Edward Pastor [D, AZ-4]
- Rep. Donald Payne [D, NJ-10]
- Rep. Ed Perlmutter [D, CO-7]
- Rep. Collin Peterson [D, MN-7]
- Rep. Charles Pickering [R, MS-3]
- Rep. Todd Platts [R, PA-19]
- Rep. Earl Pomeroy [D, ND-0]
- Rep. David Price [D, NC-4]
- Rep. Nick Rahall [D, WV-3]
- Rep. James Ramstad [R, MN-3]
- Rep. Charles Rangel [D, NY-15]
- Rep. Rick Renzi [R, AZ-1]
- Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D, TX-16]
- Rep. Ciro Rodriguez [D, TX-23]
- Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R, FL-18]
- Rep. Mike Ross [D, AR-4]
- Rep. Steven Rothman [D, NJ-9]
- Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard [D, CA-34]
- Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger [D, MD-2]
- Rep. Bobby Rush [D, IL-1]
- Rep. Timothy Ryan [D, OH-17]
- Rep. John Salazar [D, CO-3]
- Rep. Linda Sanchez [D, CA-39]
- Rep. Loretta Sanchez [D, CA-47]
- Rep. John Sarbanes [D, MD-3]
- Rep. H. James Saxton [R, NJ-3]
- Rep. Janice Schakowsky [D, IL-9]
- Rep. Adam Schiff [D, CA-29]
- Rep. Jean Schmidt [R, OH-2]
- Rep. Allyson Schwartz [D, PA-13]
- Rep. David Scott [D, GA-13]
- Rep. Robert Scott [D, VA-3]
- Rep. José Serrano [D, NY-16]
- Rep. Joe Sestak [D, PA-7]
- Rep. Christopher Shays [R, CT-4]
- Rep. Carol Shea-Porter [D, NH-1]
- Rep. Brad Sherman [D, CA-27]
- Rep. Heath Shuler [D, NC-11]
- Rep. Albio Sires [D, NJ-13]
- Rep. Ike Skelton [D, MO-4]
- Rep. Louise Slaughter [D, NY-28]
- Rep. Adam Smith [D, WA-9]
- Rep. Christopher Smith [R, NJ-4]
- Rep. Lamar Smith [R, TX-21]
- Rep. Victor Snyder [D, AR-2]
- Rep. Hilda Solis [D, CA-32]
- Rep. Zackary Space [D, OH-18]
- Rep. John Spratt [D, SC-5]
- Rep. Fortney Stark [D, CA-13]
- Rep. Bart Stupak [D, MI-1]
- Rep. John Sullivan [R, OK-1]
- Rep. Betty Sutton [D, OH-13]
- Rep. John Tanner [D, TN-8]
- Rep. Ellen Tauscher [D, CA-10]
- Rep. Bennie Thompson [D, MS-2]
- Rep. C. Michael Thompson [D, CA-1]
- Rep. John Tierney [D, MA-6]
- Rep. Edolphus Towns [D, NY-10]
- Rep. Mark Udall [D, CO-2]
- Rep. Tom Udall [D, NM-3]
- Rep. Frederick Upton [R, MI-6]
- Rep. Christopher Van Hollen [D, MD-8]
- Rep. Nydia Velazquez [D, NY-12]
- Rep. Peter Visclosky [D, IN-1]
- Rep. James Walsh [R, NY-25]
- Rep. Timothy Walz [D, MN-1]
- Rep. Zach Wamp [R, TN-3]
- Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz [D, FL-20]
- Rep. Maxine Waters [D, CA-35]
- Rep. Diane Watson [D, CA-33]
- Rep. Melvin Watt [D, NC-12]
- Rep. Henry Waxman [D, CA-30]
- Rep. Anthony Weiner [D, NY-9]
- Rep. Peter Welch [D, VT-0]
- Rep. Robert Wexler [D, FL-19]
- Rep. Charles Wilson [D, OH-6]
- Rep. Addison Wilson [R, SC-2]
- Rep. Frank Wolf [R, VA-10]
- Rep. Lynn Woolsey [D, CA-6]
- Rep. David Wu [D, OR-1]
- Rep. Albert Wynn [D, MD-4]
- Rep. John Yarmuth [D, KY-3]
- Rep. Donald Young [R, AK-0]
Users Tracking [15]
Users who are tracking this bill are also tracking:
Committees
Amendments
This bill has 1 amendments. See All AmendmentsHide All Amendments
Amendments to H.R.1424
| Number | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| H.Amdt958 | Offered | Pursuant to the provisions in H.Res. 1014, the amendment in the nature of a substitute is considered as adopted. |
Bill Status
| Introduced |  | Voted on by House |  | Voted on by Senate | | Considered By President | | Bill Becomes Law |
| March 09, 2007 | March 05, 2008 |
Related Bills:
Related Issue Areas:
- Unfair labor practices
- Student loan funds
- Right of privacy
- Rebates
- 60 more
- Personnel records
- Medical tests
- Medical records
- Loan defaults
- Labor-management committees
- Labor unions
- Job training
- Human embryology
- Higher education
- Genetics
- Fetus
- Federal aid to education
- Federal advisory bodies
- Executive departments
- Education
- Drug industry
- Discrimination in insurance
- Civil rights enforcement
- Civil liberties
- Budgets
- Auditing
- Apprenticeship
- Actions and defenses
- Health policy
- Access to health care
- Aged
- Ambulatory care
- Business
- Civil rights
- Coinsurance
- Congress
- Congressional investigations
- Congressional reporting requirements
- Discrimination in medical care
- Drug abuse
- Drug abuse treatment
- Emergency management
- Emergency medicine
- Employee health benefits
- Federal employees
- Finance
- Government employees
- Government employees' health insurance
- Health insurance
- Health maintenance organizations
- Hospital care
- Insurance premiums
- Labor
- Managed care
- Medicaid
- Medical care
- Medical economics
- Medicare
- Medicine
- Mental health services
- Mental illness
- Psychiatric hospital care
- Quality of care
- Small business
- Welfare
In the News
April 09, 2008 Mental Health Parity Legislation: Business Groups Waiting for ...
... are hammering out a compromise proposal on mental health parity legislation that would marry elements of House and Senate bills (S. 558, HR 1424). ...
Source: WWJ, MI
Was this article useful?
Yes or
No
April 03, 2008 Senators Propose Offsets For House Mental Health Parity Bill To ...
M.) have proposed a new set of cost offsets to the House version of a mental health parity bill (HR 1424) that passed in March, CongressDaily reports. ...
Source: Medical News Today (press release), UK
Was this article useful?
Yes or
No
April 02, 2008 Washington Report: Parity Debate Moves Toward Congressional Closure
After the House passed HR 1424, Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said, ...
Source: Psychiatric Times, NY
Was this article useful?
Yes or
No
Blog Coverage
May 14, 2008 Lutheran College Washington Consortium!
One of the bills that was passed while I worked there was HR 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addication Equity Act of 2007. Go to thomas.loc.gov if you are interested in researching this bill. ...
Source: COBBlog
Was this article useful?
Yes or
No
May 02, 2008 May is Mental Health month
House passed HR 1424 last month that would require insurance companies to provide mental health insurance parity with hopes that it'll ease the financial burden on mentally ill and their families. In the United States over the last five ...
Source: The DIS Discussion Forums - DISboards.com
Was this article useful?
Yes or
No
April 26, 2008 Beautiful Boy: A Father's Heartache, An Addict Son
"HR 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental health and Addiction Equity Act". I know how hard to invest time in these endeavors when we are working so hard just to stay afloat day to day in regard to the energy and resource drain that addiction ...
Source: Oprah.com Message Boards : All Content...
Was this article useful?
Yes or
No
Rating Filter: 5 (What's this?)(Close help)
Comments
(What's this?)(Close help)
Displaying 1-30 of 59 total comments.
As a family doctor who sees plenty of rural people suffering from mental illness who REFUSE to "see a shrink" I end up doing a tremendous amount of care for these folks. We all know that mental illness is every bit as disabling as somatic illness-- let's pay doctors to treat these folks so they can get care!
Has there been any movement on this bill since October 2007. If not, why not. Who needs to be contacted?
I have worked for a substance abuse facility in Stephenville Texas for the past 11 years as a benefits and claims specialist. I see hundreds of people seeking treatment for themselfes and loved ones only to turned away because of limitations or lack of substance abuse on there policies. If they do have coverage then the managed care companies deny numerous claim for simply because the patient has not tried a lower level of care and failed. This should not apply to every patient. Every patients needs are different. An adult that has drank for 40 years would not normally benefit from an outpatient program. We have to treat patients according to the managed care companies policies instead of according to the individuals medical necessity. This practice leaves many people with coverage that are seeking treatment and want to get better with no other options but to pay cash which most of the time is out of the question. What good is there coveage if they cant use it when needed. There has been an epidemic in our state for years and I as a mother and employee see the damage that this disease can do to families. There are fewer and fewer inpatient facilities for families to choose from due to such low managed care rates. It is time managed care was forced to take care of the people they cover and not try to get them a quick fix with detox and outpatient and a 30 day maximum or 3 series maximums per lifetime on policies. There goal is to use thes 3 series up in the shortest and least expensive manner possible. This is usually of no benefit to the patient. Thank you for your time.
The House Bill is superior to the Senate version. The Senate version would permit many mental illness conditions to not be covered in a parity fashion.
Its important to REMEMBER over 8.5 million Federal employees have had mental health parity in their benefit plan since 2001 using the HOUSE version on what is mental illness.
Let's get a quality parity bill. A bill that honors Senator Wellstones memory. If the House passes the Wellstone version it is imperative that the joint conference with the House & Senate does not agree to an inferior definition of what is mental illness.
If its good enough for our Federal employees, it should be good enough for we private sector turkeys.
We deserve the SAME definitions the Federal employees have.
As a constituent of Northern Michigan I wish to thank Representative Bart Stupak for his yes vote on the Parity bill that we have fought hard for years to have passed. This is an important milestone to help addicts and person's with mental illness have the disorder paid at an equitable rate as other illnesses. I have always felt well represented by Representative Stupak and this passage further instills my confidence in his listening to the people that don't always have the loudest voice in Washington.
Thank goodness this has passed the House! It's a shame that our country has not recognized at least one basic truth: Mental and physical health are NOT mutually exclusive! I am a psychologist who works with children with chronic medical conditions, and anyone in the behavioral medicine arena KNOWS that if mental illness is in the mix, medical health is compromised! I still think it's absurd that they want to be able to cherry-pick what is a "severe" mental illness so insurance co's can opt out of covering a broader range. If we give any optional loopholes for the insurance companies to wiggle out of coverage, they will do so. The argument that practitioners might seek payment for treatment of ALL DSM diagnoses is such a ridiculous argument... At least the first step has been made - let's see if the Congress has the cuhones to push further...
Dear Duncan,
I am disappointed with your decision on HR-1424, however, look forward to your support in establishing a working format that will help our citizens in need and reduce our tax burden that supports the cronic emergency services they required here in California. I understand your need the follow our party's line and to vote with the majority of our side of the aisle.
I refuse to get excited regarding the passing of these parity bills by the House & Senate. I will only be impressed when OUR representatives have the fortitude to work out a meaningful compromise.
I would like to suggest that the FULL parity coverage our representatives already have in their Health insurance program be suspended until they pass this coverage for we private sector Americans.
If its good enough for our "Leaders", its good enough for All of us in group plans.
It is overtime to rid our country of mental health insurance discrimination in groups of 50 or more.
The bill should include Social Security mental health benefits and reflect the average income of Americans.
Just for the record these are the "Special Interests" who lobby against the Superior House legislation- HR 1424
Aetna
American Benefits Council
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
ERISA Industry Committee
National Association of Health Underwriters
National Association of Manufacturers
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
National Business Group on Health
National Restaurant Association
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Society for Human Rescource Management
The National Retail Federation
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The US Chamber of Commerce called the House Version 1424
"Mental Health Insanity"
The Executive Office of the President issued a Statement of Administration Policy AGAINST HR 1424
This refusal to "GRANT" the same broad parity 8.5 million + Federal employees HAVE should be considered when YOU vote for President in November 2008.
Its imperative to get your "ASS" in motion & Vote !
I have followed the Mental Health insurance parity issue for over 25 years. A family member has dealt with a significant mental illness for over 20 years. I desire mental health insurance parity to help "OTHER AMERICANS" deal with their illness.
This parity is more than "Another" insurance mandate, its what American citizens deserve when their family has to deal with a mental illness.
A joint House & Senate conference SHOULD meet to workout an effective meaningful compromise.
Its 2008...how many more years will pass before our "representatives" put their constituents FIRST?
Moderated Comment
Any one who needs to make SUCH a comment definitely needs FULL mental health insurance coverage.
Unless you are a Federal employee... YOUR health insurance STINKS for mental illness !
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
gota love freedom of speech and the press. at least we have some of our rights intact. and i can assure all who read this that mental illness is as debilitating as any physical ailment can be.
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
Moderated Comment
hey thats mean guys. why would you say that?
Moderated Comment
Add A Comment