SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24
(By Senators Snyder, Walker and Hunter)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make
a legislative interim study to determine the feasibility of
requiring health care insurers to provide coverage for the
medical treatment of serious mental illnesses on the same
basis as coverage is provided for other illnesses and
diseases.
Whereas, Many health insurance plans do not provide adequate
coverage for the treatment of serious mental illnesses; and
Whereas, Serious mental illnesses, which are caused by a
biological disorder of the brain, such as schizophrenia,
delusional disorders, bipolar affective disorders, major
depression and obsessive compulsive disorders, substantially
limit the life activities of persons with those illnesses and,
thus, should be covered by health insurance plans on the same
basis as coverage is provided for other illnesses and diseases;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to review, examine and study the issue of requiring
health care insurers to provide coverage for the medical
treatment of serious mental illnesses on the same basis as
coverage is provided for other illnesses and diseases; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1999,
on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with
drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct
this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary
legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance.