Parity is equality. And ParityPAC will make sure your voice is heard.

ParityPAC is a Federal Leadership PAC co-chaired by former U.S. Representatives Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN).

While in Congress, they co-sponsored the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, landmark legislation that guaranteed diseases of the brain are treated exactly the same as diseases of the body. It ensured that a system of “separate and unequal care” would not stand. No longer would it be acceptable to treat someone with a mental health condition or addiction differently, or put arbitrary limitations on their care.

The parity law ensured a basic civil right – those with brain diseases would be out of the shadows, and given access to the care they need and rightfully deserve.

At least, that’s what we envisioned nearly a decade ago. Unfortunately, the promise of the parity law has been largely unrecognized. Insurers are still denying mental health claims at rates that far exceed those for other physical conditions.

ParityPAC’s top priority is to support federal candidates who are taking a leadership role in advancing mental health equity, regardless of party affiliation. It’s that simple. We need to ensure we can end the denial once and for all, and build a system that protects the rights of all Americans.

We must keep up the fight for true equality. That means electing leaders who care deeply about parity, and who are willing to act on it. We need our federal elected officials to take up the charge and pass legislation that will defend, enforce, and strengthen policies that ensure the medical equality we so desperately need.