Press Club hosts Kennedy, Ramstad for Speakers Luncheon, March 14 at 12:30 p.m.

Former Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.), who co-sponsored the landmark, Mental Health Parity Act in 2008, plan to speak at a National Press Club luncheon, March 14 at 12:30 p.m.

Advance reservations should be made by contacting reservations by phone at (202)662-7501 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Cost of the luncheon is $19 for members, $30 for their guests and $37 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at the time of reservation.

The Mental Health Act, which requires most group health plans to provide better and more generous health benefits to those with mental illnesses, has yet to be fully implemented. In the past, insurance companies have attempted to limit mental-health coverage. The act is meant to address this issue. Kennedy and Ramstad are urging the White House to move quickly on implementation.

Representatives from the White House are expected to attend the luncheon to join Kennedy and give a progress report on the act.

The luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and the Kennedy-Ramstad remarks will begin just after 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter or email a question in advance, type Kennedy in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

Credentialed press may cover this event with proper identification. Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PressClubDC and Twitter at @PressClubDC.