Major change is needed in our health care system in order to provide universal coverage, control costs, and improve the quality of care outcomes. Reform legislation is now making its way through both the House and the Senate. While many in our community have advocated for a “single payer” system, it now appears that a “public option plan” is the most viable alternative under consideration by the Congress that would ensure universal coverage. This is the time to let our elected officials know you support reform which includes a public option plan.

The need for mental health treatment must be integral to reform. In any given year, over 26% of the population has a serious mental disorder. Yet, it is estimated that only a third of those in Colorado who need mental health services actually receive care. Furthermore, research has shown that the lifespan of a person with a serious mental illness is 25 years shorter than that of an average person. The number of deaths by suicide (Colorado in 2007) exceeded deaths from motor vehicle accidents. Thus, I urge you to also support comprehensive parity for mental health and substance abuse disorders in all components of health care reform.

Other components of reform should include: ending the practice of

refusing coverage because of pre-existing conditions; increasing provider rates for

Medicare and Medicaid, and then preventing providers from opting out; providing incentives to encourage the use of “best practices” and of most cost effective treatments.

The proposed legislation will affect all of us in one way or another. I urge you to communicate with your legislators in Washington. Let them know that the need for a public option plan is critical and that full parity for mental illnesses must be part of that plan.

Susan Marine

Boulder

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