WHEREAS, Medicare is the second largest social program in the country after Social Security, and it is a federal health insurance program covering virtually every elderly American and many individuals with disabilities as well; and

WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Surgeon General, one in five adults will experience a mental health disorder every year; and

WHEREAS, Medicare beneficiaries pay more for outpatient mental health visits than for other services, and inpatient mental health services are limited; and

WHEREAS, A 1999 Report from the Surgeon General on Mental Health stated, "There is no scientific justification for treating physical and mental health differently. Diagnoses are reliable and treatment is effective"; and therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island General Assembly hereby memorializes the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide parity in the Medicare program for mental health benefits; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the members of the Rhode Island delegation to the Congress of the United States.