Mental Health: Small Business Coverage
Mental illness is a biological brain disorder — a physical illness of the brain — a human organ, just like the heart or lungs or liver. But mental health advocates have been fighting an uphill battle to get mental health included in health insurance plans.
Thirty-four states have passed so-called mental health parity laws, that either suggest or require that health insurers include mental health services in their plans. But, advocates say, the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 will undermine those efforts. Under the bill, so-called Association Health Plans – those collectives of small businesses — would be exempt from individual state insurance regulations including mental health parity laws. WBHM’s Tanya Ott talked with Jeff Baxter of the Mental Health Association of Central Alabama and Shannon Weston, executive director of the Alabama chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
The house passed the Small Business Health Fairness Act this week by a vote of 263-to-165. The Senate must still take up the measure.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy arrives in Turkey for talks with Russia, without Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Turkey for direct talks with Russia. But the Kremlin sent a lower-level delegation that doesn't include President Vladimir Putin.
Author revives forgotten stories through historical fiction novel based in Birmingham
Barry Cole is using historical fiction to revive the lost history of enslaved people found buried in a mass grave at the park. That book, called 100 Pearls, is out Thursday.
AvKare recalls over-the-counter eye drops after FDA audit
Customers are encouraged to stop using several eye irritation products, including gels and artificial tears.
What was approved, and what failed, in the 2025 Alabama legislative session
Alabama lawmakers ended the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday. Here is a look at a few of the notable bills that passed, and some that failed, during the session.
Lawmakers pass bill to criminalize bringing immigrants in the US illegally across state lines
The legislation given final approval Wednesday protects “not only the citizens of Alabama but also the people that are immigrating here legally and doing everything the right way,” said the bill’s Republican sponsor.
Ivey signs a bill regulating the sale of hemp products
The law would allow gummies, drinks and other consumable products to continue to be sold, but limits the amount of psychoactive compounds in the products. It also puts restrictions on where the products can be sold.
