Insurance Companies Must Treat Mental Health Patients Equally

A new law has been passed as part of the bail out package that will make it manditory for health insurance companies to treat mental illness the same way as physical illness.

It is estimated that in America more than 113 million Americans are dealing with some form of mental health condition, and this news will come as a huge relief for those who are seeking medical treatment.

In times past, insurance companies have not given the financial respect to mental health claims as they do to physical claims but with the passing of the new law, they will have to equalize this policy.

Many wanted to see this law pass, including lawmakers, businesses, advocates for the mentally ill and doctors groups.

Many experts state that this new law will result in a significant expansion in the services that are made available for people dealing with mental health issues.

Most plans will kick into gear in January of 2010, after the law was signed into play by President Bush last week.

“This is absolutely milestone legislation for those people who have mental health and substance abuse problems,” said Doug Walter, counsel for legislative and regulatory affairs at the American Psychological Association. “It ends the discrimination against people who have long needed the help.”