Mental Disorders Are among the Most Prevalent of all Health Conditions
As stated by Dr. Thom Bornemann, Director of the Mental Health Program at The Carter Center, "We have effective treatments available, but the vast majority of people who need treatments do not get them." According to the Carter Center, much remains to be done. People with mental illnesses still face great stigma and discrimination. The importance of mental health promotion is under-recognized, and insurance providers often do not provide parity for mental health treatment. Considering the fact that mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the United States, disparity for mental health benefits is simply and completely unacceptable.
The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health
This historic report states that too many Americans are unaware that mental illnesses can be treated and recovery is possible. In fact, a wide array of effective mental health services and treatments are available to allow children and adults to be vital contributors to their communities. Yet, too many people remain unserved, and the consequences can be shattering. In a speech announcing the Commission, President Bush said, "Our country must make a commitment: Americans with mental illness deserve our understanding, and they deserve excellent care. They deserve a health system that treats their illness with the same urgency as a physical illness."
Mental Illness Is the Leading Cause of Disability
In fact, it has reached crisis proportions. This groundbreaking study found that mental illnesses (including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) account for nearly 25% of all disabilities across major industrialized countries. Unfortunately, several obstacles to achieving the goals set here in the United States by the President and the Commission remain, with stigma leading the pack. Sadly, only one out of two people with a serious form of mental illness seeks treatment for the disorder.
The Time Has Come for Parity for Mental Health Care
It was clearly a breakthrough when the first-ever Surgeon General's report on mental illness was released in 1999. However, it speaks volumes about the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness when one realizes that the vital role of mental health in all our lives was not officially acknowledged until the eve of the 21st century.
The Issue of Health Care and Insurance in our Nation Is at a Tipping Point
In our nation is at a tipping point This issue is in dire need of re-evaluation. It will likely take years before quality health care coverage for all Americans becomes a reality. In the interim, mental health care must take its rightful place in the healthcare continuum. Statistics showing the remarkable prevalence of mental illness indicate that the mental health of our citizens can no longer be ignored or misrepresented. The consequences of ignoring this issue will result in financial and human cost infinitely greater than any cost associated with adoption of parity.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Mental Health Boards by County:
Click here for a listing of County Mental Health Boards.
Click here for a Directory of Mental Health Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services.
www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Phone: 410-786-3000
Toll-free: 877-267-2323
TDD: 866-226-1819
Internet: www.CMS.gov
Local - Region 2: New York Regional Office
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
26 Federal Plaza, 38th Floor
New York, NY 10278-0063
Phone: 212-616-2205
Fax: 212-264-6189
Aetna Healthcare
www.aetna.com
Amerigroup
www.amerigroup.com
AmeriHealth
www.amerihealth.com
Cigna Healthcare - 800-433-5768
www.cigna.com/
Horizon Blue Cross Coverage Information:
https://www.magellanprovider.com/MagellanProvider/do/LoadHome
Click here for the Provider Directory.
Oxford Behavioral Hotline: 800-201-6991 Mon-Fri between 8AM and 6PM
United Healthcare - Members Only
www.myuhc.com/
WellCare
www.wellcare.com
Advance Directives
Mental Health Advance Directives are a relatively new phenomenon in the mental health field. They are very similar to general medical advanced directives in the sense that they give the patient power in deciding treatment options. People in a psychiatric emergency might not be able to clearly communicate their treatment options and preferences. By completing an official advance directive (information on how to do this is below), patients can provide information such as medication preferences, restraint options, doctor and hospital preferences, and general information deemed important to that person and their treatment. To learn more about Advance Directives, please click on the following links. Please note the legal and state issues associated with Advance Directive when contemplating completing such a document. It is suggested that if you are currently in treatment for mental health you should ask for assistance with your mental health providers.
https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Responding-to-Crises/Psychiatric-Advance-Directives
Sample form and info on legality in New Jersey:
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhas/resources/mental/pad/
Advance Directive Legislation:
www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/S2500/2369_R2.PDF [pdf 88k]