May. 04, 2020
HARRISBURG – As the stay-at-home order, business shutdown and many other implications of COVID-19 continue to put a strain on the lives of every Pennsylvanian, the House acted today to ensure insurance coverage for mental health benefits is equal to benefits for medical or surgical coverage.
“Residents in every community of our state and of all ages have made tremendous sacrifices as a result of COVID-19 that could have a profound impact on their mental health,” House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said. “People are losing their lives, schools are not teaching, services are not being provided, places of worship are closed, food pantries are running on empty, businesses of all sizes are closing, life savings are evaporating – the list of ways this pandemic is impacting our mental well-being goes on and on.”
The House passed two bills related to mental health benefits parity:
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House Bill 1439: Would require a certification of compliance by an insurer with federal and state law ensuring mental health benefits coverage is equal to medical or surgical benefits.
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House Bill 1696: Would require insurers to file an annual report with the Insurance Department detailing mental health parity compliance.
“While we are taking actions to protect the physical health of every Pennsylvanian, we cannot ignore the very real impact of those efforts on the public’s mental health,” Cutler added. “I encourage government leaders, insurers and everyone to continue to speak up about the impact this worldwide event is having on mental health, and reach out to those who you may believe are in need of assistance at this time.”
The bills now advance to the Senate for further consideration.
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Straub
717-260-6397
mstraub@pahousegop.com
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