Provide names of other journalists involved.
None.
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Oct. 24, 2012 – Mental Health Insurance Parity vs. Insurance Industry
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Passage of Paul Wellstone & Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in 2008 was the greatest medical civil rights victory in our generation. But today, the law – which requires insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental and physical illnesses – has yet to be implemented. Why? Because regulators have failed to write rules on how the law should be enacted and enforced. Parity proponents blame the insurance companies for the delay. Until the rules are in place, they say, the insurance industry has little to fear and the mentally ill have nothing to gain.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Because my expertise is in computer-assisted reporting, I regularly review the Federal Register for regulatory action and comments. I scour the internet for news and research and have set-up Google alerts to provide automatic updates on mental health issues, such as parity. I also provide links for my readers to learn more about the issue and read my prior stories.
Explain types of human sources used.
Over my years of covering parity I have kept in touch with former Congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Ramstad and others involved in the parity debate. They have been very helpful in providing the back-story on why parity has not been implemented.
Results:
The regulations have still not been adopted. I am planning to write a follow-up soon.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections or challenges.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
I have written extensively about mental health parity – an issue ignored by mainstream media that will affect millions of Americans suffering from depression, bipolar, addiction, alcoholism and other mental illnesses. For journalists covering controversial issues that have a long shelf-life, the important thing is relentless persistence in the face of inaction. At a certain point, inaction or delay IS the story. Keep in touch with contacts, let them know you are still interested and examine the potential consequences of the inaction and delay.