Insurance Coverage of Mental Illness
Insurance Coverage of Mental Illness
Should all insurance plans be required to include mental-health benefits? This question has stirred significant debate within our society. An individual can become ill with a innumerable physical illnesses from the common cold to cancer and receive whatever care is deemed necessary. However, if that same individual is stricken with a mental illness some insurance plans have significant restrictions on the coverage available. It is a simple issue of fairness.
The restrictions place on individuals receiving these benefits can vary widely. An example would be a limit on the number of times a psychotherapy session is covered. These restrictions are often placed without any regard to a diagnosis. There are many issues that can arise that require numerous visits before adequate recovery such a post-traumatic stress from a violent incident. Unfortunately in this situation your insurance carrier simply doesn’t care and you are not covered.
A person with mental illness already has many problems they need to deal with and do not need this added stress. In addition, our society already places a stigma on those with mental illnesses and these people are often discriminated against. As a society it is important we do what we can for those less fortunate and provide them with what they need to be successful. Our insurance plans must no discriminate against these people and insurance plans should be required to provide this service.