Mental Health Parity Bills Moving in Congress

Business leaders, health insurance companies, and mental health advocates are working with legislators to design a bill that mandates mental health parity without adding costs to U.S. businesses. Parity laws require health insurance companies to cover mental and physical illnesses with equivalent benefits and restrictions (i.e., deductibles, co-payments, visit allotments and limits). For instance, if a health plan offers benefits for diabetes it will need to offer equal coverage for depression or addiction. Read more .

More Drinking Leads to More Sick Leave

Research in Sweden demonstrates that increased per capita alcohol consumption is associated with increased workplace absenteeism. The study provides convincing evidence that employers should be concerned about excessive alcohol consumption -- even when employees drink outside of the workplace. Read more .

Alcohol Exclusion Laws Face Repeal

Legislation to repeal alcohol exclusion laws has already been introduced in Texas and Indiana . The District of Columbia prohibited exclusions in January. Legislators in a number of other states are readying their own bills. Read more .

Occasional Heavy Drinking Muddles Workplace Productivity

Negative consequences of alcohol use are amplified for those who drink heavily. Two recent studies reviewed the behaviors and costs associated with excessive drinking. Ensuring Solutions offers ways increase productivity by helping employees with drinking problems. Read more .

Investments in Alcohol Treatment Can Boost Employers' Bottom Lines

By providing alcohol treatment for employees, however, U.S. employers can contribute to community health and well-being while cutting down on their health care and other personnel costs. Leaders of many companies have learned that making available such treatment helps rather than hurts their bottom line. One recent study of government workers finds that employees treated for alcohol and other drug problems significantly improved attendance. Another employer, ChevronTexaco, reports alcohol treatment dramatically reduces worker turnover. Read more .

The Problem

Every year, 17 million adults have a serious problem with alcohol, yet only 3 million get help. Alcohol problems kill, sicken, or injure hundreds of thousands of Americans every year, destroy families, contribute to violent crime, and reduce productivity.