Congresswoman Matsui Lauds Administration for Implementation of Mental Health Parity Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 8, 2013
CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
202-225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Lauds Administration for Implementation of Mental Health Parity Law
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) released the following statement after the final rule was issued for the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This final rule implements the law, which will provide much needed certainty and access to vital mental health and substance abuse services. In May, Congresswoman Matsui sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius urging the agency to move expeditiously in issuing the final rule. Her statement is as follows:
"I am pleased that the Mental Health Parity Act will now be fully implemented, ensuring that health plans do not impose undue financial burdens on those who suffer from mental health and substance abuse disorders. This historic legislation will strengthen mental health care in our nation and help ensure everyone receives the care they need at a fair and equitable cost.
"Implementation of the Mental Health Parity Act is a critical step toward addressing our nation's fragmented mental health system, but there is more work to be done. The federal government must continue to step up and treat mental health care on a level playing field with the rest of our nation's healthcare system. That is why I have introduced H.R. 1263, the Excellence in Mental Health Act. This bipartisan legislation would bolster funding and services for mental health care and ensures all Americans' have access to the treatment they need.
"I applaud the Administration for moving forward with implementation of the Mental Health Parity Act. I will continue to advocate in Congress to ensure that our nation has the mental health infrastructure it so clearly needs."
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