The original bill requires equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans and prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment.

Senator Dodd offered and the Senate accepted an amendment to add provisions related to providing financial assistance to failing financial institutions.  The amendment is the second attempt by the Congress to respond to the U.S. financial crisis fueled by the recent bankruptcy of two of the country's largest investment banks.