To: Members of the Senate From: Naomi Schiff Myers, Director Social Policy, LWVCT Subject: Public Hearing Testimony: The League of Women Voters of CT Urges your Support of SB 877 The League of Women Voters of Connecticut urges you to vote for SB 877, AAC Mental Health Parity. This bill will simply bring Connecticut into compliance with the new federal mental health parity law and ensure the state’s ability to enforce it. While Connecticut’s mental health parity law already benefits consumers with individual and group health insurance plans, the new federal law would also benefit those in large self-insured plans, Medicaid managed care plans, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (HUSKY B). Prior to the parity laws, most insurance plans put arbitrary and unequal limits and conditions on mental health treatment. These arbitrary limits and discriminatory practices cost more in the long run, harmed lives, and put many families into unfair financial hardship and even bankruptcy. The League believes that every resident should have access to a basic level of health care at an affordable cost and supports comprehensive, community-based mental health systems for children and adults. These systems should include early detection and intervention with a range of services to facilitate care, treatment and recovery. We strongly urge your support for SB 877. Thank you. Naomi Schiff Myers Director of Social Policy League of Women Voters of Connecticut 1890 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 | Advocacy:
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