The-F-Word.org

Remember the federal mental health parity law that’s set to pass Congress and be signed by the president? A single mental health bill was reported to soon emerge from Congress and go to President Bush for his signature, but since the economy go boom, some are now worried that the bill will be overlooked altogether and allowed to die while Congress redirects its time and energies to the all-consuming economic crisis.

Writes the New York Times:

The bill is endorsed by President Bush, business groups, insurance companies, the medical community and mental health advocates. Both the House, in a stand-alone bill, and the Senate, as part of a broader tax relief bill, have approved it by large margins. But it requires a final shove because the measure is snarled in a broader legislative struggle over how to pay for tax revenues that would be reduced by this measure and others. Is there a statesman who can push this worthy parity legislation through to final passage before adjournment?

The economic crisis is of paramount concern, but please don’t let a bill 10 years in the making fade away. Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to ensure that this bill finally becomes a reality. Input your ZIP code in the box on the left on this site to find your congressional representatives and their contact information. Suggested form letters are available after the jump.

To Your Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

I am writing to urge you to ensure that passage of H.R. 6049 through to final passage before Congress adjourns. While the bill primarily addresses tax incentives for energy production and conservation, sec. 255 of subtitle C requires equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans. I realize your efforts are directed now towards resolving the economic crisis and I commend you for your dedication to ensuring the financial health of the nation. But I would also remind you that the nation, too, suffers from a mental health crisis, with millions of Americans and their families suffering in silence due to mental health discrimination in group health plans.

[You can choose to insert your own anecdotal evidence here on why it is you support the bill, but keep it brief]

H.R. 6049 passed overwhelmingly in the Senate on Sept. 23, and has the support of the President, business groups, insurance companies, the medical community and mental health advocates. Please support this bill and see that it finally becomes a legislative reality.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number

To Your Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
(Room #) (Name) House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

I am writing to urge you to ensure that passage of H.R. 1424, which would require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, through to final passage before Congress adjourns. I realize your efforts are directed now towards resolving the economic crisis and I commend you for your dedication to ensuring the financial health of the nation. But I would also remind you that the nation, too, suffers from a mental health crisis, with millions of Americans and their families suffering in silence due to mental health discrimination in group health plans.

[You can choose to insert your own anecdotal evidence here on why it is you support the bill, but keep it brief]

H.B. 1424 passed overwhelmingly in the House this year and has the support of the President, business groups, insurance companies, the medical community and mental health advocates. Please support this bill and see that it finally becomes a legislative reality.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number