PHOENIX — Governor Ducey signed a bill today that increases funds for mental health treatment for children and teens who are uninsured.
Jake's Law is named after Jacob Denslow who died by suicide at 15 after the family faced an uphill battle with their insurance company.
Jacob was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had suicidal thoughts, according to his family.
Their insurance company denied coverage for over two weeks at a treatment facility.
The Arizona Medical Association and Arizona Psychiatric Society worked with Arizona lawmakers to prove that such a bill would help get rid of the stigma behind mental health and be able to provide for people who need it.
"A wide-ranging law aimed at reducing Arizona’s suicide rate, Jake’s Law promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders is no more restrictive than insurance coverage for any other medical conditions. When mental health coverage is more restrictive than other medical coverage, it can lead to deaths from suicides, overdoses, and other forms of preventable death."
The @AzPsychSociety and @ArizonaMedicine applaud @FoundationJEM and all stakeholders, @KateMcGeeAZ, legislators, and Governor @dougducey for the passage and signing of #JakesLaw and supporting improved access to #Mentalhealth care. https://t.co/zYw6tVE7l2#Parity #StopSuicide pic.twitter.com/1aohBrdll3
— AZPsychiatricSociety (@AzPsychSociety) March 5, 2020
“This is a great step forward for Arizona as we continue to focus on the importance of whole health and wellness for all,” stated Susan Whitely, MD, President of the Arizona Medical Association. “Mental health is a critical component of our overall health. This legislation will improve accessibility to behavioral health professionals for all Arizona residents.”
