[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 14, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H2490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    BUILDING A STRONG WORKFORCE BY IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

  (Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Employers spend over $26 billion per 
year in direct medical costs to treat depression. But the indirect 
costs, including lost productivity and absenteeism, increased spending 
by some $51.5 billion per year, but appropriate treatment for 
depression reduces health care costs for businesses.
  The National Institutes of Mental Health reported depression 
treatments reduce absenteeism and save money. Plans for Federal 
employees where mental health coverage is included in their health care 
plan also saves money.
  Employers and Members of Congress should review the benefits of 
mental health insurance coverage and note that coverage of mental 
health treatment can also significantly reduce public health care 
spending on Medicare, Medicaid and our criminal justice programs.
  I would urge all my colleagues to review how businesses and the 
Federal Government can save money on this by reviewing my Web site at 
murphy.house.gov. And remember, patient-centered health care saves 
lives and money by emphasizing patient safety, patient quality and 
patient choice.

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