I wonder if anyone has ever polled the parents/survivors of school violence

[SoCalDem]

and asked THEM if they think "health" insurance should offer mental health "as needed".

I doubt that any of them would object on a "cost" basis.

the "rationing" of mental health care is a big problem in the US, and many people delay or refuse care because they either cannot afford it, or their "plan" does not offer it.

Think of all the things that are not considered "necessary", by some insurors.

glasses...no need for kids to actually SEE the chalkboard or the print on the pages of their books (IF they are lucky enough to even GET books)

dental...rotten teeth are no big deal..kids with toothaches can just take OTC tylenol

hearing...whaaat??

prescriptions...suck it up and walk it off..

mental health care... well let's see if a 22 yr old paper-shuffler at the insurance company thinks you "need" it.

National health plan is the ONLY way to go..and all of the above are necessary for some people at some time in their lives.

It's far cheaper to treat people than to pay for the damage done when there is no treatment.

[LibDemAlways]

1. California is now mandating that children get a

dental exam before they start school, but there's no provision to pay for it and parents can opt out, so what's the point?

I'm with you. Cover everybody and include all necessary care whatever it is. If we got the hell out of Iraq and channeled that money into a single payer health care system, we'd all be better off. If a society is measured by how it treats its most needy citizens, the US is a disgrace.