Oregon fights back! How about some good news in health care??

• Every tried hard to find a therapist only to discover that no one is taking new patients?
• Ever had a therapist tell you they would like to treat you but your insurance company is too difficult to work with?
• Maybe an insurance company has tried to shut down the number of sessions you can have?

It's been awhile since I have written, but I have been working hard behind the scenes with colleagues on ensuring full access to mental health care for all Oregonians.  These days, focusing on the state level can be the most empowering way to work for our rights.  I have been part of a group, the Oregon Independent Mental Health Providers (OIMHP) that has crafted a bill and lobbied the Oregon state legislature to enforce compliance with mental health parity laws.  We have had parity laws on the books since 2005 but insurance companies have been able to get around those laws, squeezing providers which then closes down access for consumers.  Parity laws say that insurers must treat mental health care the same way they treat physical health care.  Our lobbyist has worked hard in Salem and now it looks like we may just pass our law, Senate Bill 860.  Please take a look at the following powerful article by the president of the Oregon Senate, Peter Courtney.  He is a passionate advocate for our bill so success for equality in mental health may be within reach...!

www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/05/mental_health_is_important_jus.html#incart_river_home