House supports mental health bill

OLYMPIA – Even small companies would have to offer insurance coverage for mental health treatment equal to their medical coverage under a measure that has passed the House.

The bill, which passed Wednesday on a 75-22 vote with one lawmaker excused, expands a mental health parity law passed in 2005 that required that all large-group health insurance policies provide equal coverage for medical and mental health treatment.

The measure requires health insurers to offer the same level of coverage for mental health as they do for physical health.

For example, if the co-payment for a cholesterol drug is $10, the co-payment for antidepressants would be $10.

If your health plan allows unlimited doctor visits for colds and sprains, there can’t be a cap on therapy sessions.

The measure passed Wednesday extends the parity requirement to companies with fewer than 50 employees, and would also require individual policies to offer mental health benefits equal to their medical benefits.

Opponents said that the mandates push unsustainable costs onto small businesses.

“These businesses are being forced out of the market by premiums that are increasing at double-digit inflation rates every single year,” said Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale and deputy minority leader in the House.

But supporters said that costs would be even bigger if the insurance wasn’t expanded to these employees.

“I see untreated mental health having huge social costs,” said Rep. Tami Green, D-Lakewood.

Ericksen said that those without health insurance will still be untreated.

“If you do not have insurance how does this bill help you?” he asked.

“The people that need the help are the ones who don’t have the insurance plans.”