David Wellstone, son of act’s original sponsor Senator Paul Wellstone, joins Hayes and lends perspective on passage of bill and implementation steps

Lansdale, PA—February 24, 2009— Hayes, Inc., a healthcare industry leader in providing unbiased, evidence-based health technology assessments of new, emerging, and controversial health technologies, today announced that it is hosting a webinar for Hayes clients to examine the implications of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (also known as the Mental Health Parity Law.) The webinar will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2009, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

The Mental Health Parity Law, which was enacted in October 2008 as part of the financial rescue package, requires insurance companies that offer mental health and addiction coverage to pay for treatment at the same level as care for physical health issues.

David Wellstone, codirector of Wellstone Action! and son of the bill’s original sponsor Senator Paul Wellstone, will provide an insider’s perspective on the political environment around passage of this bill and what it will take for the healthcare industry to implement it correctly.

Dr. Elisabeth Houtsmuller, Director of Hayes Mental and Behavioral Health, says, “We are offering this important webinar to help clients understand the impact of the Mental Health Parity Law on care, treatment, and payment for mental and behavioral health issues. Payers, providers, and employers alike are preparing for the law to take effect in 2010. We thank David Wellstone for his enthusiastic support of the act, and the perspective he will provide to Hayes clients.”

David Wellstone added, “The implications of this law on the healthcare industry are wide ranging, and will include broader access to mental health treatment and a reduced financial impact on sufferers from mental illness. My father was extremely passionate about this issue, and I look forward to helping Hayes and its clients better understand the law’s long-term impact on the healthcare in the United States.”

Hayes’ clients, including health professionals employed by hospitals, healthcare systems, government agencies, employers, and managed care organizations, will be able to ask Mr. Wellstone questions during this live, interactive webinar. Interested professionals will have the opportunity to view the webinar replay by visiting www.hayesinc.com.

The Hayes Guest Lecturer Series is one of many regularly scheduled webinars and peer-to-peer health technology forums available to Hayes clients. Hayes Education Services provides timely information regarding current topics in healthcare, including new, controversial, or changing medical technologies. For more information regarding Hayes’ educational offerings, integrated suite of health technology assessment products, and consulting services contact Hayes Account Services at accountservices@hayesinc.com.

About Hayes, Inc.

Hayes, Inc. is an independent health technology research and consulting company dedicated to promoting better health outcomes. Hayes performs unbiased, evidence-based assessments of the safety and efficacy of new, emerging, and controversial health technologies and evaluates the impact of these technologies on healthcare quality, utilization, and cost. Hayes’ worldwide clients include hospitals, healthcare systems, managed care organizations, government agencies and employers.

Hayes products and services include:

• A dynamic, web-based Knowledge Center designed to support professionals who are responsible for strategic planning, technology acquisition, and policy development
• Consulting services that enhance strategic technology planning and support evidence-based technology acquisition so that hospitals can anticipate and prepare for the financial, clinical, and operational impact of new technologies prior to their adoption
• Customized services that help payers develop and update coverage policies as well as create clinical guidelines
• Employee benefit programs that help patients make well-informed decisions about healthcare options

Company Contact:
Karen Matthias
Hayes, Inc.
215-855-0615 ext. 7918