LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Advancing Mental Health and Substance Use Parity in Michigan - Support House Bill 4707
To whom it may concern:
As CEO of an organization that cares for persons with behavioral health and substance use challenges, I am writing to encourage your readers to reach out to their legislators (House & Senate) and the Governor and urge them to support HB 4707; and to encourage their leadership to bring the bill up for a vote in the fall legislative session. We have been told the House may take a vote on HB 4707 as soon as next week and try to push it through the legislative process before the Legislature adjourns for the fall.
In Michigan, our commitment to the well-being of our residents extends to their mental health and substance use needs as well as their physical health. House Bill 4707 presents a crucial opportunity for us to strengthen our commitment to mental health and substance use parity, ensuring that individuals receive the care they deserve. Parity means that if an insurance provider covers behavioral health care or substance use care, access and coverage to those services must be similar to the access provided for physical health care.
House Bill 4707 is a vital piece of legislation aimed at improving the parity between mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatments and traditional medical treatments. By requiring insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and SUD services, this bill seeks to eliminate disparities in access to care and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for these conditions.
The importance of mental health and substance use parity cannot be overstated. Mental health and SUDs are just as critical to a person's overall well-being as physical health. Yet, individuals facing these challenges often encounter obstacles when seeking treatment, including limited access, high costs, and inadequate insurance coverage. House Bill 4707 addresses these disparities head-on, ensuring that those in need of mental health and SUD services receive the same level of care as those with physical health conditions.
By supporting House Bill 4707, we are taking a significant step towards promoting the overall health and well-being of our communities. This legislation can help break down barriers to mental health and SUD treatment, making it easier for individuals to access the care they require. By ensuring that insurance companies provide equal coverage, we can reduce the burden of untreated mental health and SUD issues on our society.
I once again encourage your readers to urge their legislators and the Governor to prioritize HB 4707 during the upcoming fall session.
This can be done by completing a form at: https://cmham.org/advocacy
Sincerely,
Maribeth Leonard, CEO
LifeWays
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