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Where the candidates stand on mental healthcare

10:45 AM, September 18, 2008

Candidates1Wednesday in Booster Shots, L.A. Times reporter Susan Brink directed readers to websites that explain the presidential candidates' healthcare plans as well as articles analyzing those plans. If you're in the mood for more, consider the candidates' views on mental health, an area of healthcare that typically gets short shrift.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness today released information from Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain on their views on mental healthcare. NAMI sent a questionnaire to all presidential candidates in both parties earlier this year. The questionnaire asked for the candidates' level of support on a range of issues in mental health -- from insurance parity to care for veterans. The candidates were encouraged to provide materials and explanations to support their positions. NAMI has posted the responses from Obama and McCain while noting that it is a nonpartisan organization and is not endorsing either candidate.

Obama responded to the 24-item questionnaire by saying he "strongly supported" every suggestion to improve and advance the cause of mental health. He noted that he passed Illinois' mental parity law and, in the U.S. Senate, co-sponsored the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007.

"I believe we should prohibit group health plans from imposing treatment or financial limitations on mental health and substance-related disorder benefits that are different from those applied to medical or surgical services."

McCain provided a statement in lieu of specific answers. His campaign noted that it was not his policy to reply to questionnaires. In his statement, McCain noted that he has consistently supported public housing projects to shelter homeless Americans, many of whom are mentally ill. He cited the importance of personal responsibility, saying that better treatments for addiction are needed but "we also have an obligation to do a better job of teaching our children the benefits of good lifestyles and the perils of addictive activities." While recognizing the challenge of rising healthcare costs, McCain said:

"A sensible goal is to design reimbursement for taking care of the whole patient, whatever ails them, and recognize the essential role mental health treatment plays in the overall health of the patient and the reduction in physical health needs."

You can view Obama's answers and McCain's statement at the NAMI website.

"One out of four Americans are affected by mental illness at some point during their lifetimes," notes NAMI executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "It does not discriminate between Democrats and Republicans. We hope mental health services will be addressed in the upcoming debates."

-- Shari Roan

Photo credit: Chris Carlson / AP

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