The Washington state Legislature is considering a bill (HB 1828) that would require health insurers to provide coverage for mental health as they do for other medical services, the Seattle Times reports. Washington is one of 17 states that allow insurers to limit mental health treatment coverage and require higher copayments and out-of-pocket expenses for mental health services than for other types of care. Under the bill, which the state House passed 64-33 on Feb. 13, private health plans and health plans for public employees and Medicaid beneficiaries would be required to offer equal coverage for mental and physical ailments. The bill would be phased in over five years; exclude coverage for sexual dysfunction, substance use-related disorders and about 24 "life transition problems" listed in the official health diagnostic manual; and exempt employer-sponsored health plans for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Supporters of the legislation contend that mental health parity would raise health insurance premiums by less than 1% while reducing the costs of disability, unemployment and welfare. However, business organizations that oppose the bill contend that the bill would increase health insurance premiums and make it more expensive for employers to provide health insurance to employees. In addition, business organizations contend that the open-ended benefits for mental health coverage could lead to patients and doctors "needlessly prolonging treatments," the Times reports (Song, Seattle Times, 2/25).