MINNEAPOLIS, March 6, 2008—The U.S. House yesterday passed legislation requiring insurers to cover mental health problems in the same way as physical problems.

It is the culmination of a process set in motion by Sen. Paul Wellstone years before he died in a plane crash in 2002. The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act bill takes its name from him.

Mental health advocates praised the passage, saying it will end the stigma of mental illness by treating it on a par with physical maladies.

The bill is a deeply personal one for sponsors Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), who has admitted to suffering from bipolar disorder and Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), a recovering alcoholic who says he has not taken a drink in 25 years.

"I will always cherish my work with Paul to provide greater access to treatment for people with mental illness and chemical addiction," Ramstad said in an interview with Minnesota Monitor. "Paul would call me frequently to breathlessly relay his progress in securing another co-sponsor or to share counsel.  I came to absolutely treasure those late-night phone calls."

"This is a very historic moment," said David Wellstone, who addressed a Capitol Hill rally that included former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and singer-turned-activist Carole King. "This legislation is very close to my heart."

The 268-148 House vote sets the stage for negotiations with the Senate, which passed a less stringent version of the bill last year.

Star Tribune article