House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	December 5, 2018 01:09 PM
From:	Representative Dan L. Miller
To:	All House members
Subject:	Covering the mental health, substance abuse, or disability needs of Pennsylvania’s kids

Securing quality affordable health care for a loved one’s mental health, disability or substance abuse needs can be challenging for many families. This stress is compounded when that loved one is under 21 years of age and therefore statistically at a greater risk for life-altering behavior or life-long impediments to their developmental growth. Today there is simply no reason for our kids to be without care, or for middle class families to be unduly burdened by costs associated with in-network versus out-of-network systems. Every child should have easy access to the services they need- especially for their mental health, disability, and substance abuse issues- no matter what insurance provider their parents have. Easy, affordable access to care will improve health outcomes and save money down the line. Simply stated, I just don’t think it is right to hear from some parents that they couldn’t get the immediate help their kid needed, or affordable health care for them because it was out-of-network. Given the gravity and challenges of untreated mental health, disability, and substance abuse issues, let’s make a promise that equal access to all health care options will be a staple for our kids. It is my hope that my colleagues will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation that affirms our commitment to the health and welfare of Pennsylvania’s youth.
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Introduced as HB130