Recognize mental health needs

With regard to the recent spate of murders, I would like to point out that, unfortunately, our health care system does not value mental health care services.

Mental health issues are treated disparately by insurance companies, as most will only pay 50 percent of the charges and one is generally subject to a process of pre-certification before one is allowed to obtain services, along with any deductibles and co-pays, and with limitations on the number of visits available.

Throw in the additional costs for medications (not inexpensive and frequently changed to new ones) and regular follow-ups and one will find that the average individual is unable to afford to obtain mental health services. The wealthier just pay for services, and the poorest obtain Medicaid, while the middle are just out of luck.

I think as a country we are far behind in recognizing the need for a good universal health care plan that will cover all citizens for their basic mental and physical health care needs, as in the long run, we all pay the costs of human suffering.Companies are decreasing or finding ways to eliminate health insurance.

People are unable to afford the costs of insurance, or are between jobs or unemployed with no insurance. Until we, as citizens, come to some agreement on the basic health care needs of all citizens, with regard to both mental and physical health care, people will continue to suffer.

Please express to your elected representatives that disparate health care for mental health services is unacceptable and push for insurance changes, so that those who need mental health care can receive the help they need. It could save a life.

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