The measure, which was approved this week in the state Senate and sent to Vilsack's desk, requires health insurers for companies with 50 or more employees to cover mental illnesses on par with physical-health problems. "This is a significant step forward," said Vilsack. "We've talked about mental-health parity in this state for a number of years. There will be Iowans today and over the course of the next several years whose lives will be improved because of this legislation. Hopefully, they will get help sooner."

However, the bill does not cover addiction problems, eating disorders, attention-deficit disorders, and some other ailments. "There will be some people who are not happy or satisfied with the limitations of this bill," said Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson. "We see it as a first step ... We know from other states that have passed limited mental-health parity bills that they build upon them."

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