HB 180
MENTAL HEALTH PARITY 
(Peterson, J. – R)
(Companion Bill – SB 116)

Introduced to House: April 14, 2005
Assigned to House Insurance (G. Smith)
First Hearing Held:  May 31, 2005
Current status: No hearings on the bill since May 2005

This bill prohibits, subject to certain exceptions, discrimination in group care policies, contracts, and agreements in the coverage provided for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of biologically based mental illness.

PCSAO supports this legislation that would prevent insurance companies from discriminating against biologically based mental illnesses.  Under the proposed Mental Health Parity legislation, health insurance coverage for severe mental illnesses would not cost the consumer more than coverage for other medical services.  On November 29, 2005, PCSAO joined Executive Directors of over 65 Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Boards and Public Children Services Agencies in Columbus with a stack of local resolutions all with the same message, “Pass Mental Health Parity Legislation.”  Gov. Taft continues to resist any mandates on insurance companies and Sen. President Harris is concerned about additional costs to employers through mandates.  Hannah Report (12/1/05) cites Harris and Sen. Hottinger making progress on SB 116 (companion bill to HB 180) with proponents and opponents of the bill and it “may pop to the surface…, given the advances in knowledge and treatment.”