Letter to the editor - Parity for coverage of mental health

Dear Editor:

As people think about the numerous mass shootings across the country this Fall, one of the reactions has been to talk about the importance of improving the Mental Health system.  This is essential to the health and well being of all Americans.

Acknowledging that mental heal problems are real, that they have consequences, and that they can be treated is an important first step.  The next step is to move toward parity between mental and physical illnesses.

Medicare should cover mental health diagnoses the same way it covers medical diagnoses.

Insurance companies should be required to cover mental health diagnoses the same way they cover medical diagnoses, and with the same co-pays as for primary care visits.

In New York, Timothy's law does provide some protection but many still find mental health care unaffordable.  In most of the rest of the country, and for those on Medicare, it is often out of reach.

Please reach out to your legislators to make this a top priority.

Sincerely,

David M. Newman, MD
Evergreen Family Medicine