The links between mind and body have been explored for decades. While there have been many debates, one thing has been proven: Physical illness is related to the brain.

Having optimal mental health, then, can play a big role in getting a clean bill of health — and vice versa, which explains why many doctors recommend exercise as a way to combat stress.

Yet for years, this obvious connection has been ignored when it comes to health insurance, an area that weighs far more heavily on physical care than mental. The Mental Health Parity Act was passed in 1996, but it fell far short of what was needed.

Under the law, health plans are still able to limit mental health visits and increase deductibles without regard for parity, according to reports.

For the 113 million Americans with mental health needs, this has been an area in need of legislative change. And that change may be coming soon.

The Senate recently passed a bill that offers parity for physical and mental illness. It requires health insurance plans that offer mental health coverage to provide the same financial and treatment coverage offered for physical illnesses. Two catches: It only applies to companies with 50 or more employees, and it doesn't benefit individuals who buy their own insurance.

Now a compromise must be found with the House, which is looking at a more extensive bill that would require group health insurance policies for employees to provide the same parity coverage that members of Congress receive.

That's a noble goal, but one that is unlikely to become law. Unlike the Senate bill, this does not have the support of employers and insurance companies for fear of its costs.

For now, it's best to forge ahead with the Senate bill, which will give millions of Americans the help and care they need — and deserve.