MENTAL HEALTH PARITY: L.A. Times Pushes For Wilson’s Approval

      An editorial in yesterday's Los Angeles Times urges Gov. Pete Wilson to sign the mental health parity bill recently passed by the Legislature, arguing that the "governor should see AB 1100 as different" from other health measures he has rejected. Wilson has threatened to veto the measure, calling it a "blanket, undefined remedy that has no cost controls." However, the Times notes that the bill mandates "parity for only severe, biologically based forms of seven mental illnesses." In addition, the measure would preserve "managed care's authority over specific coverage decisions," allowing insurers to utilization cost-control measures such as "case management, managed or utilization review." The Times also notes that 65% of small business leaders polled by the state Chamber of Commerce approve of a mental health mandate, even if it causes their premiums to rise by 5%. The Times concludes that the bill "would bring health insurance in line with modern science" (6/21).