Providing for Consideration of H.R. 1424, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1424, PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - March 05, 2008)
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Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor for me to speak in support of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007. I want to thank both Congressman Kennedy and Congressman Ramstad for their dedication to ending the insurance discrimination and ensuring that all Americans have access to mental health and addiction services.
As a Minnesotan, I'm struck by the emotion of this day because the late Paul Wellstone's tireless efforts to ensure mental health parity might finally be realized. Paul Wellstone knew it was wrong for health insurers to place discriminatory restrictions on treatments, and I am honored to be part of this effort to finally guarantee that millions of Americans who need mental health and addiction services can obtain the services they deserve.
The urgent need for the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act is surely best expressed by those who have seen a loved one in need denied coverage. I think immediately of Kitty Westin, a Minnesotan whose daughter Anna suffered from anorexia, a deadly disease that affects approximately 8 million Americans and ultimately claimed Anna's life. During her daughter's battle with anorexia, Kitty took Anna to the hospital. Anna was refused care by the insurance company because it did not consider access to mental health treatment important enough to cover.
Kitty knows this is completely unacceptable and has been fighting selflessly to make sure that no other family experiences the same frustration and pain. I commend her for carrying on Anna's legacy so impressively through her advocacy efforts and community work. For Kitty and all of those who have encountered insurance discrimination, I carry Paul Wellstone's message that access to mental health and addiction services is imperative and must take place now.
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