I am honored to be the new Governor of Washington and to have the opportunity to lead the people of this great state. My first budget proposal to the Legislature reflects the values I bring to the administration—good schools and health care for our kids, compassion for people who truly need our help and tax policies that don’t hurt Washington’s economy. The Governor’s budget highlights.

Mental Illness Scars 3 Generations, Seattle Times 04-24-05

Ray of Hope, Rainbow Center, Bellingham Herald 07-03-05

Great Leap' on Washington State Mental Health ; Law Mandates Equal Insurance Coverage

(Seattle Post - Intelligencer) Updated: Mar 11th 2005

MENTAL HEALTH PARITY BASICS

Here are highlights of the new law regarding mental health coverage:

The law will apply to some government employees, patients in the state's Basic Health Plan for the working poor and about 1.6 million Washingtonians who work for companies with 50 or more employees, with the exception of companies that are self-insured. Policies sold to small businesses and individuals are exempted.

Beginning in January 2006, policies that cover medical and surgical services must cover mental health services and prescriptions as well. Co-payments and premiums for mental health may not be higher than for other services.

Beginning in July 2010, policies cannot impose different limits for mental health services, such as caps on the number of office visits.