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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 25, 2024 11:43 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Rosemary M. Brown |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Mental Health Coverage for Pediatric Care |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation which provides for private insurers to match coverage for pediatric mental health services in the same manner as Medicaid or other public mental health programs for pediatrics. Based on consistent feedback, it appears that public insurance such as Medicaid is more comprehensive; and private insurance typically offers fewer mental health services, creating an obstacle for our youth in receiving critical mental health services. Mental health must be acknowledged as a priority, especially in our youth, helping to create a foundation for lifelong personal and professional success. As you know, improved access to behavioral health services has been shown to improve mental well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. Expanding coverage to critically needed behavioral health services — which include services to treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders is essential at a time when the need for these services is high and continuing to rise. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important parity legislation. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov. Thank you for your consideration. |