Government Relations Update

February 22, 2007

Senate Moves MH Parity Bill

The new mental health parity bill, S. 558, was approved last week by the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee.  This is the first congressional committee approval of a parity bill since August 1, 2001, and prospects for passage by the full Senate appear very promising.

The bill gained a wide margin of approval in committee, which is attributed to hard work by the sponsors, Senators Domenici, Kennedy and Enzi and by a broad coalition that has come together to support the bill from the mental health, insurance and employer communities.  Sponsors are now preparing for consideration on the Senate Floor.  We do not yet know when that may occur. For more detailed bill info., click here to NASW’s website.

Action Requested:

If your Senator is not on the list below, NASW members should telephone their Senator through the Senate switchboard (202-224-3121) to urge they cosponsors S. 558, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007.

Suggested Talking Script:

I am a constituent, professional social worker and member of the National Association of Social Workers. The Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S. 558) will provide critical health care protection for 113 million Americans. Please co-sponsor this vital legislation. 

S. 558 Sponsor: Domenici, (NM) and 31 Co-sponsors including: