It is estimated that more than 300,000 Ohioans suffer from major mental illnesses - schizophrenia, major depression and more. For them, insurance plans often offer more limited coverage than for physical illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.

That distinction itself is the legacy of deep-seated ignorance and superstition regarding mental illnesses, which often have a physiological basis - and themselves can cascade into a variety of other health problems.

Recognizing that, 35 states, including Kentucky and Indiana, have "mental health parity" laws that say insurance companies must cover mental illnesses the same as other illnesses. Ohio lawmakers have proposed it unsuccessfully for years. But on Wednesday, the House passed 52-40 a bill by Rep. Lynn Olman, R-Maumee, to require parity.

As Olman pointed out, health plans often place 20- to 30-day limits on hospital care and $10,000 annual caps on coverage for mental illnesses. "That is wrong," he said. As a matter of basic fairness and smart public policy, mental illnesses ought to get equal coverage in Ohio, although there's debate as to what "equal" would actually entail.

The problem is, Gov. Bob Taft has called on lawakers not to enact new health mandates for a year, given the state's fiscal crisis and the tough economy. There are concerns that such mandates would place undue burdens on employers, especially small businesses that might be forced to drop health coverage - making matters far worse for working families. That is why Taft spokesman Orest Holubec said the governor doesn't want to see a parity bill on his desk.

Proponents say premiums in other states have gone up less than 1 percent because of such laws. And the House bill would let insurance firms drop mental health coverage in six months if costs rise more than 1 percent.

That sounds reasonable, although lawmakers should ensure Ohio doesn't have other market or regulatory factors that would mean larger increases.

Sure, the timing is bad. But Ohio ought to recognize that like other ailments, mental illnesses can be treated, controlled and often cured with medicines - and that covering these very "real" illnesses could improve the state's overall health picture.