Rep. Johnson Votes to End Discrimination In Health Benefits

Press Release

Congressman Hank Johnson voted to end discrimination against patients seeking treatment for mental illness by supporting H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. The bipartisan bill prohibits insurers and group health plans from imposing stricter treatment or financial limitations on mental health benefits.

H.R. 1424 ensures that any financial requirements and treatment limits for mental health and addiction are no more restrictive or costly than the financial requirements and treatment limits applied to comparable medical and surgical benefits that the plan covers. This bill does not, however, mandate mental health benefits and exempts small businesses with 50 or fewer employees.

"We simply cannot discriminate against individuals with mental illnesses any longer," Rep. Johnson said. "It is unfair to expect those with mental illnesses to pay more and receive less benefits than those with other health conditions. We must encourage those with mental health or addiction concerns to seek help."

"It is important to realize that mental illness is a health condition like any other, and we must work to remove the stigma associated with it," Congressman Johnson stated. "H.R. 1424 is a good first step to achieving mental health parity and will help many Americans get the health care they need and deserve."

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