Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007

PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 12, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY MCCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. This legislation is named in tribute to Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, whose work on behalf of the vulnerable was well known and well respected.

* I also rise to thank my colleague from Minnesota, Congressman Jim Ramstad, for continuing Senator Wellstone's fight on behalf of those who the stigma too often attached to the issues of mental health and substance abuse has left voiceless. Mr. Ramstad's courage in sharing his experience with substance abuse and his dedication to passage of this legislation is the reason we are here today. This bill will help end the pattern of senseless and immoral discrimination against those suffering from mental illness and put to rest the outdated notion that these challenges are less legitimate or severe than physical ailments.

* Mental illness left untreated affects all facets of our society and costs our economy over $150 billion annually. Mental illness affects 50 percent of the homeless population in Minnesota, 70 percent of those in our juvenile justice system, and those with the highest unemployment rates. Health care costs double when diabetes and heart disease patients have co-morbid depression, and patients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders are often less responsive to treatment.

* In addition, the burden that mental illness places upon the health and productivity of our Nation has long been underestimated. One in five adults and one in ten children have a mental illness. And over one-third of our returning servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from mental health problems.

* The costs of untreated substance abuse are also high for families and our health care system. Studies have shown that 1 in every 5 Medicaid dollars spent on hospital care is related to substance abuse; health care costs for those dependent on drugs or alcohol is 100 percent higher than those without an addiction; and the costs to law enforcement and to employers are significant. Treatment makes a difference. A recent study showed that after treatment, family health care costs dropped 50 percent.

* H.R. 1424 requires parity with co-payments, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses, and requires that limits on mental health and addiction care are no more restrictive than those on physical health. This legislation requires equality in out-of-network care and ensures coverage for mental illness and substance related disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM.

* It is time to pass this bill. We have all been affected in some way--ourselves, a family member, a friend, or colleague--by mental health or substance abuse. As we look to reform our health care system, mental health and physical care can no longer be looked at as separate entities. It is morally right and good for both our economy and our health care system. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this important bill.

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