Parity On!: Why it matters
I've heard people say mental-health parity legislation won't be very helpful if enacted, or that it shouldn't be a priority for mental health advocates. I disagree. Why shouldn't it be? I don't want to pick my battles; I want to fight them all.
Mental healthcare services should not be regarded as a luxury, or a choice. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare. It's fundamental. But insurance companies, of course, say it's too expensive to cover mental health at the same rate.
How long will it take for people to recognize mental illness for what it is? I can't believe the stigma that persists despite all the strides we've taken.
Comments
I can see why you'd be for mental health parity, but in the end, its a bad idea. The Last Psychiatrist explains the reasons not to be in favor of mental health parity excellently here: http://thelastpsychiatrist.com/2007/07/why_i_am_against_mental_health.html#more
Posted by: Sally | July 30, 2007 02:32 PM
“How long will it take for people to recognize mental illness for what it is? I can't believe the stigma that persists despite all the strides we've taken.” --- Liz Spikol
Try centuries and probably several more lifetimes. What strides are you talking about? Mankind is still warring…people are starving…the ignorance, discrimination and stigmatization of those who suffer severe and debilitating mood disorders is still prevalent even within our own society as well as the medical profession and was exhibited in a recent decision by CMS which I read denigrating Psychiatry and the professionals who practice that branch of medicine as well as a number of groups, websites and the like who speak out against Psychiatry.
So why would you really seem surprised…I’m not…I simply proactively continue to advocate and try to educate those seemingly less informed and where possible work within the system to improve and change it for the better.
While we’re on the subject you also might want to alert your readers to trying to improve the situation by advocating and expressing their wishes for improvement by reading the following links and then acting upon those wishes:
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=advocacy_2007Legislation
http://capwiz.com/nami/issues/alert/?alertid=10087616&PROCESS=Take+Action
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com
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Posted by: Herb | July 30, 2007 05:43 PM