SCHIP Bill Includes Parity Provisions

One more step in the direction of establishing mental health and addiction treatment parity. President Bush has previously stated that he would sign a parity bill. So, once President Bush and and congress reach an agreement on the bill, the parity provisions should be intact.

The children's health-insurance bill passed by the House and Senate this week not only raises federal tobacco taxes to pay for expanded health care but also requires state programs to treat addiction and mental-health disorders on par with physical illnesses.