Mental Health Coalition Of West Virginia 2007 Legislative Priorities

Ensure Mental Health Parity is Continued for Health Care Coverage in West Virginia

In 2002 the West Virginia Legislature passed HB 4039 establishing mental health parity in West Virginia. These provisions will expire on March 31st 2007 unless extended by the legislature.

HB 4039:

• Prohibits discrimination between medical and mental health coverage, co-pays, and preauthorization processes,
• Provides for cost containment process for insurance providers if needed,
• And requires an annual Mental Health Parity Analysis Report from the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner measuring the impact of mental health parity on insurance providers.

According to the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner's Mental Health Parity Analysis Report for 2005, there has been no significant increase in the level of Mental Health ratios by insurance carriers.

We must continue the provisions established by hb 4039 to ensure people with mental health issues are not discriminated against in regards to insurance coverage.

A message from the Mental Health Coalition Of West Virginia Contact at: 304-340-3512 or email: mha@wvinter.net

www.mtstcil.org