Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who came back to the U.S. Capitol this week after being hospitalized for depression, marked his return by introducing legislation to beef up government efforts to ensure that health plans cover mental health treatment as well as those for physical ailments.
The Mental Health Parity Enforcement and Funding Act would provide new tools to the U.S. Labor Department and its Employee Benefits Security Administration to ensure that health plans provide the same benefits for mental health and substance use disorder treatment as for medical and surgical treatments.
“During my time in the New Jersey Legislature, I worked to advance mental health parity,” said Kean (R-Westfield). “I believed in the cause then. I understand it in a far more personal way now.”
In Trenton, he sponsored legislation requiring the same insurance coverage for mental health and substance use as for other illnesses. But he also was criticized for opposing legislation to provide sick and family leave and for supporting President Donald Trump’s giant tax and spending law that cut funding for health care.
Kean missed 140 roll call votes and more than three months of work. He did not disclose the reason for his absence until a floor speech on Tuesday, when he acknowledged he had been hospitalized for depression.
“The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness. They explained to me that it would be the fastest way to recovery, he said on Tuesday.
“I am grateful that I listened to my doctors. And I am grateful for the exceptional care I received from my doctors, nurses, and support staff. I am grateful that I accepted help. Because today I stand before you healthier, stronger, and excited to return to the work I love.”
Kean is in a tough race for re-election against former Navy pilot Rebecca Bennett in a contest that will help determine which party controls the House next January.