A rally drew advocates to call attention to time running out to pass a bill ending insurance discrimination for 113 milion people with mental health and addictive disorders. Here Rep. Betty McCullom (D-Mn) makes the case for what happens to families who must use the emergency room because insurance they lack insurance or veterans are handed a "1-800 number." The proposed legislation makes insurance coverage equal for physician and hospital payments when employers offer policies for physical health.
Reps. Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad held national hearings throughout the country last spring while guiding the Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424) through the House. In March it was approved, 286-148. Kennedy and Ramstad were among the speakers on Wednesday, as was Rep. Betty McCullom (D-Mn). The bill was named for Minnesota's Paul Wellstone whose son David, also spoke.
The bill's uncertain future is now tied up with complicated negotiations making it part of a multipronged Senate proposal for last minute funding before the 110th Congress recesses at the end of the week. It is being held up over a provision to hold payments for physician owned specialty hospitals.
