Law equalizes coverage for mental, physical care

An estimated 113 million Americans will receive better insurance coverage for their mental health and substance abuse problems because of legislation that for the first time requires mental and physical illnesses to be treated equally. The law is a culmination of a decade of lobbying and negotiating among advocates for the mentally ill, the insurance industry, the business community, and doctors' groups. The change, which was included in the economic rescue package signed by President Bush last week, will take effect Jan. 1, 2010, for most plans.