The Journal of clinical psychiatry
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The severely mentally ill face many roadblocks, not the least of which is discrimination by the government and by insurance companies. The inadequate coverage allowed the severely mentally ill by the insurance industry, Medicare, and Medicaid is often as little as one fifth or less the coverage allowed other serious illnesses. ⋯ As the federal government prepares for essential health care cost reform, it is imperative that policy leaders, physicians, and mental health care advocates demand equal treatment under the law for the severely mentally ill. The Equitable Health Care for Severe Mental Illnesses Act of 1992 can provide a model for such action.