[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 154 (Friday, September 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2015]
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. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, the legislation we are voting on today, the 
Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction 
Equity Act, can be appropriately characterized as civil rights 
legislation. Our country has made a great deal of progress in ending 
discrimination over the last half century, but a person's medical 
condition is still the basis for discrimination. Nowhere has this fact 
been more evident than with respect to mental illness and the stigma 
that has been attached to it.
  Until a generation ago, parents were accused of causing their 
children's mental illnesses. In passing the Paul Wellstone and Pete 
Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, America is 
taking a giant step to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness, 
and how proud I am that my constituent, David Wellstone, has taken up 
his late father's effort to make this bill, which I'm a cosponsor of, a 
reality.
  This bill permanently reauthorizes and expands the Mental Health 
Parity Act of 1996 to provide for equity in the coverage of mental 
health and substance use disorders when compared to medical and 
surgical disorders. The legislation ensures that group health plans 
cannot charge higher copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles nor can 
they impose higher maximum out-of-pocket limits on mental health and 
addiction care than for medical and surgical benefits. While the bill 
does not mandate group health plans to provide mental health coverage, 
it does require parity if they do.
  This is landmark legislation. It is fair and it is sensible. And it 
stands as a tribute to the families and patients who for decades have 
advocated for its passage. With true parity for mental health benefits, 
the door that was locked by stigma is once and for all open to coverage 
for more Americans, recognizing their worth and dignity.
  How proud I am to have been part of the long fight which has brought 
us to this day!

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