On Oct 1st , the Senate passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, which includes mental health/addiction parity legislation and a financial rescue plan. The bill is expected to be taken up in the House Of Representatives on Friday October 3rd . The upcoming House vote on the Economic Stabilization Act may be the last chance to pass parity this year.

Parity legislation has been in limbo since the House and Senate passed identical provisions in separate bills on September 23, but until now leaders in the two Houses could not reach agreement on a vehicle “must pass” bill that includes a financial rescue, higher limits for bank deposits, disaster relief, and a fix to the alternative minimum tax {That would otherwise mean higher taxes for millions of Americans] .

Mental Health America urges its passage. Please call your Representative using the toll free Parity Hotline 1--866-727-4894. The parity hotline reaches the US Capitol switchboard, which will connect callers to the offices of their members.