Bob Casey: “Dear Senator Casey and Senator Specter: This is a response to a request for an analysis of the preemption provisions in…”

“Dear Senator Casey and Senator Specter: This is a response to a request for an analysis of the preemption provisions in the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S. 558 as amended 8/3/ 07 Managers' Amendment). The changes made to the preemption section in S. 558 mean that the current HIPAA federal floor standard would apply to the new Mental Health Parity law (just like it applies to the current law passed in 1996). This would mean that more protective (of consumers) state insurance laws would apply to insurers that sell coverage to employers. This bill would also mean new federal protections for people in self-insured ERISA plans. This would be a tremendous victory for patients who need coverage for mental health services.”