[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PAUL WELLSTONE AND PETE DOMENICI MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND ADDICTION 
                           EQUITY ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6983, the 
Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction 
Equity Act of 2008. I applaud your leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor and addressing the issue of mental health parity. We must 
expand access to mental health to ensure a strong and productive 
America that provides for its most vulnerable citizens. This bill will 
do just that, without creating an undue hardship on employers or 
insurers.
  The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and 
Addiction Equity Act requires those insurers or group health plans who 
do choose to cover mental health to do so on an equal basis with other 
covered health needs. This will ensure that those in need can get the 
treatment that is medically necessary.
  My home State of North Carolina was one of the first States to adopt 
a mental health parity law back in 1991, and last year the State 
legislature expanded and strengthened its mental health parity 
provisions. I support the efforts of North Carolina's mental health 
professionals in bringing this issue to the forefront of our State's 
agenda, and I am pleased that we are following suit today in passing 
this bill.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 6983.

                          ____________________