The tactics employed by parity opponents grow ever more disgraceful:
Phase one. Myth-making
The claims:
- parity would be unreasonably costly;
- discriminatory limitations are needed to prevent overutilization.
Phase two. Ridicule, Stigmatize and Fear-monger
The claims:
- Parity legislation tied to DSM IV would require insurance to cover
hundreds of "questionable mental disorders" like "jet
lag", malingering, and caffeine intoxication.
- The bill would require treating the "unhappy well", at
incalculable cost. (In fact, the bill does NOT require insurance to
pay for treatment unless medically necessary, and – as to DSM
-- simply says a health plan may not just EXCLUDE DSM-listed diagnoses
from coverage.)
Phase three. Misuse of the Mail
Unidentified opponents
recently assembled virulent anti-parity claims in a "Dear Colleague"
letter and, over the signature of a prominent Pennsylvania legislator,
sent it to state legislators across the country.
The Pennsylvania legislator has assured NMHA that the letter was released
without her authorization or knowledge. NMHA is pleased to share
her effort to set the record straight, reflected in the following letter
made available to us. see
the complete letter - 209KB pdf*
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*requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader |
