Medicare Mental Health Parity Bill Approved by Senate 69 to 30, by Mary Neal

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Thursday, July 10, 2008, 12:18 PM http://www.bazelon.org/...008/7-10-08Medicare.htm   MEDICARE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY APPROVED

Just a few days after reconvening from the July recess, the Senate joined the House in passing the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331) by a veto-proof 69-30. Less-publicized than the provision that would halt a payment cut for physicians providing treatment to Medicare patients is new equity between mental health and medical coverage.

When enacted, the bill will end a longstanding requirement that affects Medicare beneficiaries who need outpatient mental health services. Currently, they face a discriminatory 50% co-insurance for outpatient psychotherapy and services furnished by non-physician mental health professionals (20% for prescription and monitoring of medications to treat mental illness). In contrast, other outpatient health services require only a 20% co-payment.

The present outdated and unfair higher co-payment for mental health services has served as an incentive to use inpatient or institutional care instead of outpatient services. It has also led seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare to forgo needed mental health treatment.

The bill would establish mental health parity within the Medicare program, phasing in a reduction of the higher co-payment over six years, to 20% in 2014.

The passage of H.R. 6331 is a significant accomplishment and makes great strides in modernizing Medicare. A thank-you call, email or letter to your Senators would be welcomed. See how they voted on H.R. 6331 and How to ContactYour Lawmakers.

http://www.senate.gov/...session=2&vote=00169

The House passed H.R. 6331 by a vote of 355-59 on June 24th.  The overwhelming majority in both chambers makes a veto override likely, should the Administration carry out its earlier threat.

For more information please see the summary of H.R. 6331 provided by the House Ways and Means Committee.

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Dear Activist,

Scene opens. The Senate floor. A surprise visitor walks in to thunderous applause…

Sen. Edward Kennedy returned to the Senate chamber for the first time since surgery for a malignant brain tumor to cast a vote on a "Keep Medicare Fair" bill. A vote along party lines had stalled the bill a few weeks back. This time it passed with a huge bipartisan majority.

Amazing, right? It's almost got the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster

And like any great movie, it's got a final cliffhanger: President George W. Bush is threatening to veto this critical legislation!

In honor of Senator Kennedy’s dramatic return, tell President Bush to Keep Medicare Fair for millions of Americans by signing the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008!

The legislation that the Senate passed today would:

• Ensure that Medicare patients continue to have access to care ;
• Improve prevention coverage and services;
• Improve low-income protections ; and
• Provide improved coverage for mental health services.

As you read this, President Bush is likely hearing from the same folks that worked against Medicare recipients and doctors in the Medicare program during the Keep Medicare Fair campaign. That's why he must hear from ALL OF US immediately!

Click here to tell President Bush to Keep Medicare Fair by signing the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 into law.

Once you have sent your urgent message to President Bush, please help us get more messages in to the White House by forwarding this email to your friends and family.

Thank you in advance for your help. I know that together we can Keep Medicare Fair!

Sincerely,

Barry Jackson, Online Advocacy Manager
AARP