Guv signs mental health bills

Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Colorado's mental health community cheered Wednesday when Gov. Bill Ritter signed into law a bill that adds eating disorders, post traumatic stress syndrome and other mental illnesses to the list of what must be covered by health insurance.

"Hooray!" said Jeanne Rohner, president of the Mental Health Association of Colorado, during a signing ceremony at the state Capitol.

Ritter said Senate Bill 36, one of three mental health measures he signed into law, is especially critical because soldiers returning from Iraq might need treatment.

Currently, six types of mental illness are mandated for coverage by insurance. SB 36 expands that list to 15 illnesses.

Darcy Callies, 42, of Lakewood, called Wednesday "a great day in Colorado."

She said two of her children suffer mental illnesses, and she could not afford to give them the proper care. She said she had to quit her job and go on assistance so her children would be eligible for treatment.

Among those present at the ceremony was first lady Jeannie Ritter, who thrilled the mental health community when she took up their cause after her husband was elected last year.

Advocates praised Sen. Moe Keller, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Debbie Stafford, R-Aurora, who have pushed mental health issues for years. They worked with businesses and insurance providers to get this year's measures passed.

Ritter also signed SB 230, which expands services available to children needing mental health treatment, and House Bill 1057, which addresses the mental health needs of kids in the juvenile justice system.

Later Wednesday, at Volunteers of America Sunset Park Senior Center in Denver, the governor signed four bills that aid the elderly and disabled.

The governor signed HB 1100, which increases from $3 million to $5 million the Older Coloradans Fund, which provides money for Meals on Wheels, in-home medical care and other programs.

He also signed:

• HB 1106, which expands the qualifications for rebates for heat and other bills for low-income seniors and the disabled.

• HB 1374, which directs the state to review how to better transition Medicaid patients from expensive hospital care to long-term care settings.

• HB 1064, which provides $380,000 so counties can set up tracking programs for those who suffer from Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions.