HEALTH INSURANCE AND MENTAL ILLNESS

WHEREAS, another bipartisan effort exists to gain parity in the applications of health insurance coverage to physical and mental illness; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has already declared its support for equity in health insurance coverage for physical and mental illness; and

WHEREAS, a federal mandate is required, as currently only 19 states legislate full parity for physical and mental illness; and

WHEREAS, progressive senators and representatives from both major parties are trying to gain a congressional consensus for such insurance parity; and

WHEREAS, recent scientific breakthroughs in the treatment of mental illness have enabled even severe mental illness to be treated and managed so that people can lead productive lives in the home and workplace; and

WHEREAS, mental illness and the high cost of drug treatments continue to be a major cause of homelessness, "warehousing," family dissolution and crime; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Senate is considering the bipartisan Wellstone-Domenici parity bill; and

WHEREAS, intense opposition from many major business groups is expected, although many progressive corporations have already endorsed the concept of parity:

RESOLVED, that the AFT work with its national affiliates to renew, strengthen and prioritize our support for parity in the coverage of physical and mental illness; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT lend its public relations talents to help coalitions that are working to increase public and congressional support for full parity in the treatment and coverage of mental illness; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT and its labor allies support the bipartisan Wellstone-Domenici parity bill as the best way to ensure equity for mental illness coverage.