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

Introduced to House: April 1, 2005
Assigned to Senate  Insurance, Commerce and Labor (Hottinger)
Second Hearing Held:  September 16, 2005
Current Status: No hearings since September 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 with proponents and opponents of the bill and it “may pop to the surface next year, given the advances in knowledge and treatment.”