There are several issues dealing with mental health and politics in the United States. There are issues surrounding the costs of mental health care as it relates to insurance coverage. A law called parity determines that insurance will pay for the majority of services in health and mental health care. This law is not favorable according to insurance agencies due to the increase in the costs. The article explains parity as being favorable among political figures due to insurance allowing health benefits and mental health benefits to be provided to individuals an equal share.
There has been an ongoing argument over individuals who are mentally ill, and their ability to get fair health and mental health treatment through parity. Politicians are fighting for parity laws to be passed in order for individuals in this population to get the services that they need. Insurance companies are battling the passing of parity laws in efforts to get wealthier by providing individuals with the minimum care. The insurance companies are “robbing Peter to pay Paul” in the efforts that they are receiving decreasing payments from insurance companies due to minimal coverage for mental health services. Parity is an essential law that allows mental health and regular health care services to be provided at equal costs.
There were twenty semi structured interviews with public officials, legislative staff, policy experts, and interest groups at the state and federal levels, along with a review of historical records, legislative documents, press accounts, and published research, to determine the percentage of Privately Insured Full-Time Workers Subject to Separate Mental Health Insurance Limits (Lambert & McGuire, 1982). Each interest group was tested in efforts to view the stabilize coverage for mental health services through the passing of several laws incorporating the coverage of mental health services.
There were several acts that were put into place in order for parity laws to be in effect. The article explains how politics has viewed several groups and law makers in efforts to control the law of parity. This article has shown how the political system has fought for equal benefits for mental health, and general health services to be provided at an equal share. The level of accountability has caused the changes in what the insurance companies can accommodate. Parity is helping the situation by not allowing extra costs for integrated health treatment. Diagnosis of mental illness is paramount when considering treatment costs, and the allotment to be paid by insurance companies. Parity will continue to play an important role in the world of politics and integrated health treatment.
Lambert DA, McGuire TG. Political and economic determinants of insurance regulation in mental health. J Health Polit Policy Law 1982;15:169–85.
The Political Evolution of Mental Health Parity. By: Barry, Colleen L. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, Jul2006, Vol. 14 Issue 4, p185-194, 10p, 1 Chart; DOI:10.1080/10673220600883168.
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