[A Citizen Reporter]

These are your own words:

"Given the President's goals, the eventual step must necessarily be universal screening, once this expansion in the purpose and mission of the federal government is undertaken."

You couldn't have universal screening without the federal gov't paying for it. BTW, how do you know that President Bush would like to impose a mandate on private insurance companies?

[Sabertooth]

You couldn't have universal screening without the federal gov't paying for it.

Sure you could. Folks get attorneys without the government paying for all of them.

All that would be needed would be a central mental health database, provision for which is included in the report's recommendations.

BTW, how do you know that President Bush would like to impose a mandate on private insurance companies?

The third major obstacle to effective mental health care is the often unfair treatment limitations placed on mental health in insurance coverage. (Applause.) Many private health insurance plans have developed effective programs to identify patients with mental illnesses, and they help them get the treatment they need to regain their health.

But insurance plans too often place greater restrictions on the treatment of mental illness than on the treatment of other medical illnesses. As a result, some Americans are unable to get effective medical treatments that would allow them to function well in their daily lives.

Our health insurance system must treat serious mental illness like any other disease. (Applause.) And that was Senator Domenici's message to me at the Oval Office. (Laughter.) And it was Nancy's message when we had them up for dinner. (Laughter.) And I want to appreciate the fact that they have worked tirelessly on this problem. (Applause.)

I have a record on this issue. As the Governor of Texas, I signed a bill to ensure that patients who critically need mental health are treated fairly. Senator Domenici and I share this commitment: health plans should not be allowed to apply unfair treatment limitations or financial requirements on mental health benefits. (Applause.)

It is critical that we provide full -- as we provide full mental health parity, that we do not significantly run up the cost of health care. I'll work with the Senator. I will work with the Speaker. I will work with their House and Senate colleagues to reach an agreement on mental health parity -- this year. (Applause.)

We must work for a welcoming and compassionate society, a society where no American is dismissed, and no American is forgotten. This is the great and hopeful story of our country, and we can write another chapter. We must give all Americans who suffer from mental illness the treatment, and the respect, they deserve. (Applause.)
President Says U.S. Must Make Commitment to Mental Health Care
White House website | April, 2002