This month, Congress took a bold step and passed a critical package to improve the Medicare program. People with a mental illness have long experienced discrimination under the Medicare Program. Mental health parity has never been a reality of Medicare, with it paying only 50 percent of the cost of outpatient mental health services and limiting access to needed medications. With a growing number of people with a serious mental illness aging, and a growing incidence of mental illness among older adults, it is critical that their health insurance — Medicare — pay for necessary treatment.

The new legislation will gradually move the current discriminatory 50 percent payment for outpatient treatment down to 20 percent between 2010 and 2014. Additionally, the bill removes the current ban on Part D medication coverage plans to allow coverage for benzodiazepines (a critical tool in treatment for acute mania in bipolar disorder and severe anxiety disorders) along with ensuring broad coverage on prescription drug plan formularies for antipsychotic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications. 

These changes will open up access to treatment that is so important for people’s overall health.  NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota, greatly appreciates the support of our Minnesota Sens. Coleman and Klobuchar for their support and votes on this important legislation.  We could not have achieved parity in the Medicare program without their help.

Sue Abderholden

executive director

NAMI Minnesota

Minneapolis