HELP FOR ADDICTS

To the Editor:

Re "Toward Mental Health Parity" (editorial, May 1):

While President Bush should be applauded for his support of mental health
parity, a large group of people suffering from chronic disease will
continue to lack adequate coverage for the care they need even if the
proposed legislation becomes law.

People addicted to drugs or alcohol are routinely discriminated against by
health plans that deny access to adequate treatment. Unfortunately, neither
the president nor the Congressional sponsors of mental health parity
legislation have expressed any concern about parity for alcoholics and drug
addicts.

HARVEY WEINER

Wynnewood, Pa., May 1, 2002

The writer is vice president for health affairs, Eagleville Hospital.