Assembly approves bill on mental-health insurance

Thursday, May 27, 1999 | 10:21 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill that would require insurance companies to provide coverage for mental illness in addition to physical ailments was approved by the Assembly Wednesday with little dissent.

The Assembly by a voice vote agreed to accept Senate amendments to Assembly Bill 293, which includes parity for mental health. It now goes to Gov. Kenny Guinn, who is expected to sign the legislation.

The bill was originally approved by the Assembly without the mental health coverage, but the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee inserted the amendments and sent it back to the Assembly.

This was "not an easy bill," Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said, noting there was some opposition to the amendments on her Commerce and Labor Committee.

Proponents, she said, argue there is no difference between mental and physical illnesses. In the long run early treatment of a mental ailment may save money, she said.

The bill says benefits for mental health conditions must be provided at the same level as for other illnesses. Insurance companies or managed care companies would not be allowed to establish different deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses between mental and physical coverages.

"It's a long time coming," said Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, who in recent years has become a strong advocate for better mental health programs.

"This is one more component of the mental health services system," he said.