MusicCares and the Insurance Parity Movement
We also want to let you know about a new series of addiction recovery videos launched in September, which is National Addiction Recovery Month. The videos feature segments with Bill Siddons, Bob Forrest, Slash, Dave Kushner and Ozzy Osbourne. We have received strong positive media attention and Web traffic for these pieces and are grateful to everyone who participated. They can be viewed online at http://www.grammy.com/MusiCares/.
MENTAL HEALTH PARITY LEGISLATION UPDATE -
Congress is making slow, but steady progress toward passage of insurance parity legislation guaranteeing coverage for mental health disorders. The Senate has passed the parity legislation. The House version has passed the House Education and and Labor Committee, as well as the House Ways and Means Committee. However, it is still awaiting final passage from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill must then pass the full House.
Both the House and Senate version require equality in deductibles and co-payments, for example, if health plans include treatment for both physical and mental disorders. But there are a number of differences, with backers of the House bill saying their measure provides more parity. Differences include coverage for “out-of-network” providers (the House version includes this provision, the Senate does not), as well as the final date for implementation once the legislation is passed.
One of the original sponsors of the House bill is Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI). The Senate bill is sponsored by his uncle, Sen Edward Kennedy (D-MA). The two will have to work out the differences in conference once the bill passes the House. Rep. Kennedy has already stated he will fight to get the House version passed by the full Congress.