In America, a bill could be passed that sees insurers treating mental illness and mental health insurance claims just the same as they treat claims based on physical injuries. Senator Pete Domenici has a progressive form of dementia that has spurred his efforts to get the law changed.

Currently insurers can cap the amount of visits the claimants makes to the doctor. With the new changes individuals with mental illnesses will be treated equally. Donenici is hoping to end his seventh term on a positive note as his current illness is forcing him out of politics. His daughter also suffers from a mental illness. Domenici’s daughter has been diagnosed with atypical schizophrenia so this change is especially close to home.

Although attitudes have changed over time concerning mental health, treatment and insurance is a costly road to travel. Many families cannot afford the luxury and are having serious financial problems trying to support a family and providing the specialist care that a mentally ill person might require.