Good for the Goose, Not the Gander

Private health-insurance policies for individuals and small companies in Washington now will be required to offer coverage for mental-health treatment equal to their medical benefits.

"Washington now has the strongest and the best mental-health parity requirements in our nation," Gov. Chris Gregoire said as she signed the bill into law Friday.

And what does this mean for the premiums? At least a 5% increase, possibly more.

But wait, there's more!

Still, about two-thirds of Washington residents aren't covered by the new rules because they receive their health insurance through the federal government or employers who self-insure.

Those covered by GOVERNMENT programs (funded by taxpayers) are exempt! Covered by Medicaid or Medicare? No benefit for you!

Of course the article also states the obvious. If you do not have health insurance you don't get to take advantage of this sweeping reform.

Well, duh!