Bill would require insurance companies to cover mental, physical health equally

Feb. 08--HELENA -- A Helena teacher whose pleas to be able to see a therapist were denied by a doctor that never met her spoke in support of a bill to require insurance companies to cover mental health the same as physical health.

Sharla Crawford, of Helena, spoke in support of House Bill 142, carried by Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, on Wednesday.

"What I compare it to is you wouldn't give a diabetic insulin but not cover the needles," Crawford said.

Bishop told the House Human Services Committee that while there are already state and federal parity laws, not all plans are included and federal law could change under a new administration in Washington, D.C. Her bill would expand parity to self-funded plans, like the state's coverage for employees and what's offered to workers at the university system.

"The health care benefits you receive through your insurance company for your mental health should be no less favorable than the benefits you receive for your physical health," Bishop said. "You can see it at this moment in time as an important statement of our values."

About a dozen people spoke in support of the bill, saying they know friends, co-workers or patients who had struggled to get their health insurance to cover their mental health needs. No one opposed it.

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Crawford said she hasn't been able to see a therapist for a year to get treatment for her bipolar disorder, even though it was recommended by her psychiatrist. Her request was denied by a doctor who never met her. She's now covered under her wife's insurance, at an extra $400 a month, and will be able to see a therapist.

The committee took no action Wednesday.

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