Rep. Vining Introduces Second Round of the “Mental Healthcare is Healthcare” Legislative Package

MADISON–Today, State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) introduced three more bills to her “Mental Healthcare is Healthcare” package to support greater mental health access for Wisconsinites. Representative Robyn Vining released the following statement:

“Mental healthcare is healthcare, and we should treat it as such. Wisconsinites are facing a growing mental health crisis, yet little has been done by this legislature during the ‘Year of Mental Health’ to address the mental health needs of our constituents. More needs to be done to ensure that Wisconsinites have access to quality, affordable mental healthcare.

“Ensuring adequate mental healthcare for kids is critical not only for the wellbeing of our students but also their academic success. Now more than ever, students need access to quality mental health resources and support. The current student-to-school social worker ratio in Wisconsin is 1,136 to 1, almost triple what is recommended. Increasing the number and diversity of mental health professionals in our schools will give all our students access to the mental healthcare that they need. This package addresses the school mental health professional shortage by paying prospective school social workers during their required field placement and providing grants to encourage more diversity in our school social worker pipeline.

“Out-of-pocket costs should not be a barrier to receiving needed mental health treatments. This package increases access to mental healthcare by requiring health insurance plans that provide coverage of mental health or behavioral health services to cover at least 28 annual visits, or until their treatment goals have been met as determined by their healthcare provider.

“It is time that this legislature invests in the health and well-being of Wisconsinites. Along with the four bills I introduced last year, this package gives legislators an opportunity to finally do what is needed to address the mental health needs of Wisconsinites. Mental healthcare is healthcare, and these bills help Wisconsin move forward, together.”

Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Wauwatosa and West Allis. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here. 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.