Taft Says He Will Sign Mental Health Parity Bill

According to a report by WKSU News, Governor Taft said he will sign the mental health parity bill, SB 116.  The bill requires health insurers who offer coverage for "basic health care services" to offer coverage for biologically based mental illnesses.  Companies may opt out if premiums are increased more than 1%, due to the costs of mental health parity.   Larger self-insured companies are, by federal law, exempt from state laws such as this one.   Governor To Sign Mental Health Bill by Jo Ingles, WKSU News, Dec. 28, 2006; Mental Health Parity Bill Sent to Governor Taft, ODMH Connections, Dec. 2006. 

Update:  Taft signed this bill on Dec. 29, 2006.  See Governor's Press Release, 10/29/06.