| Speech by Governor Kulongoski |
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| August 15, 2005 |
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Mental Health Parity Bill Signing
GOVERNOR TED KULONGOSKI
August 15, 2005
Portland
It is truly my pleasure to be here today to celebrate the victorious end to a battle that you have fought for many, many years. And today marks the day when we officially end discrimination in health benefits between mental and physical health problems.
But perhaps even more importantly, this fight also means an end to the stigma so often associated with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
In any given year, 5 to 7 percent of adults have a serious mental illness.
A somewhat larger percentage of children – 7 to 9 percent – have a serious emotional disturbance.
This means that in Oregon – in any given year – more than 175,000 adults and more than 75,000 children need mental health services.
Sadly, many individuals in need of treatment don’t access it. And often – it is because of unfair limitations placed on mental health insurance coverage.
Until today, Oregon was one of a few states in the country that did not require significant group health insurance parity for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Senate Bill 1 erases that dubious distinction – and requires fair and equal coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment. As I said, I know that many of you have been fighting for mental health and substance abuse parity in Oregon for a long time.
The list of parity supporters this legislative session was long and diverse. But you all have one thing in common –
You believe, as I do, that parity is simply the right thing to do because it improves people’s lives and makes Oregon a better place to live.
Perhaps no group has fought longer or harder for parity than NAMI Oregon – who are here today to tell the Oregon parity story. As in the past, the debates about Senate Bill 1 also included the debate around the cost of parity.
The truth is that there is little to debate. We know – based on the recent experience of other states – that implementing parity benefits results in minimal if any increase in total health care costs.
We also know that any minimum premium cost increases are more than offset by savings from parity – such as:
- decreased costs of other health services;
- lower employee absenteeism and increased productivity; and
- fewer claims for disability and unemployment insurance.
Furthermore – the proof is in the thousands of individuals and families in Oregon who can testify to the fact that the financial and social costs of not having parity far exceed the costs of treatment.
And today, we are joined by Sonja Tanner – who is the best person to share why parity is so critical to the health of our families and our communities.
Sonja will share her personal story with us in just a few minutes.
But first, I want to recognize some key leaders who made this monumental day possible. Senator Kate Brown, Senator Margaret Carter and Senator Avel Gordley. Your persistence and commitment to this issue dates back many years and today it is paying off for the citizens of Oregon. So, thank you.
I also want to recognize the tireless efforts of Senate President Peter Courtney.
Senator Courtney was clear from the start of this legislative session that mental health parity was his number one priority – and he accomplished what he set out to do.
Senator Courtney’s efforts on behalf of all individuals with mental illness are truly remarkable, and it has been my great pleasure to work with him on these issues.
Oregon is a better place because of his leadership on this issue and with that – I’d like to ask the Senator to say a few words.
[Senator Courtney Speaks]
As I mentioned earlier – the Oregon chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) – has been the leader in fighting for mental health parity in Oregon.
So I’d like to invite their representative to come up and tell the Oregon Parity Story.
[OR NAMI Rep. Speaks]
Now I’d like to ask Sonja to come up and share her story about her son, her family and why access to affordable mental health services will help enhance the quality of life for thousands of Oregonians.
[Sonja Speaks]
Before I sign the bill, I want to say just a few more words.
For me, mental health parity is part of a larger discussion about the future of Oregon’s mental health system.
It’s about removing barriers to treatment for individuals with private health insurance – improving Oregon’s state hospital services – and expanding available treatment options in the community.
All of these components are critical components to the state effort to transform Oregon’s mental health system to one that ensures quality services and positive outcomes to individuals, their families, and society.
When we address mental illness with wisdom and compassion – and when we value the recovery of individuals – we can change lives.
The passage of Senate Bill 1 is a testimony to your persistence - your perseverance – and your passion.
Congratulations – and let’s sign the bill!
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