Gov. Mike Easley signed a bill that requires insurance companies to cover mental illness in the same way as physical illness, his office announced today.

House Bill 973 will become effect July 1, 2008.

Health insurance policies can have different co-payment for mental and physical illness. The legislation requires parity with physical illnesses be extended to mental health conditions inclding: bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, schizophrenia, paranoia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"This legislation ends what has effectively been a form of discrimination in the health insurance coverage of those with mental illness," Easley said in a statement. "Requiring insurers to provide the same coverage for co-payments, doctors visits and hospitalization means patients will be treated fairly, whether being seen for physical or mental illness."

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