[NYAPRS Enews] NC: Excellence in Mental Health Act Introduced in U.S. Senate

[Harvey Rosenthal]

NYAPRS Note: Out of the efforts of the National Council, a bill has been
introduced in the Senate to establishing  "Community Behavioral Health
Center" (CBHC) designations, permitted those providers "to be reimbursed
at a minimum rate - based on reasonable cost per visit incurred - for
services provided to Medicaid patients."

 

Excellence in Mental Health Act Introduced in U.S. Senate

Senators Stabenow and Reed Call for Federally Qualified Community
Behavioral Health Centers

 

Washington, DC (December 16, 2010)-The National Council for Community
Behavioral Healthcare (National Council) applauds the introduction of
the Excellence in Mental Health Act in the U.S. Senate today by Senators
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Jack Reed (D-RI). The proposed legislation,
championed by the National Council, seeks to increase access to
community mental health and substance use treatment services for all
Americans and to improve Medicaid reimbursement for these services.

 

"Every year, more than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with serious
mental illnesses. Although we have made great progress in eliminating
some of the stigma surrounding mental illness, access to care is still a
problem for too many of these patients. My legislation will increase
access to critical behavioral health services by making key investments
in our nation's mental health centers," said Senator Stabenow, in
explaining why she and Senator Reed have sponsored the Excellence in
Mental Health Act.

 

Senator Reed, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Committee, said, "This comprehensive approach will improve access to
mental health services for those who need them most and can help reduce
long-term healthcare costs."

 

The Excellence in Mental Health Act requires the federal government to
establish criteria for an organization to qualify as a  "Community
Behavioral Health Center" (CBHC), to be reimbursed at a minimum rate -
based on reasonable cost per visit incurred - for services provided to
Medicaid patients. The act also calls for grants for capital
improvements and health information technology and services provided by
CBHCs to be recognized as mandatory in state Medicaid programs.
Currently, Medicaid excludes community behavioral health from the
minimum reimbursement privileges available to the primary care safety
net.

 

"It's time to end the discrimination. America must recognize that
behavioral health is integral to overall health. We are grateful to
Senators Reed and Stabenow for leading the way with the Excellence in
Mental Health Act," said Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the
National Council.

 

Other provisions in the proposed legislation include increased resources
for community behavioral health providers to adopt health information
technology, make infrastructure improvements, provide telehealth
services, and become eligible for discounted medicines.

 

"Bringing behavioral health on par with the rest of healthcare gives
community providers struggling in the face of brutal budget cuts a new
lease of life so they can continue to offer quality services to our most
vulnerable populations. The Excellence in Mental Health Act is a
milestone in public health," said Charles Ingoglia, vice president for
public policy at the National Council.

 

In June 2010, the Mental Health and Addiction Safety Net Equity Act, HR
5636, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by
Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Eliot Engel (D-NY). That bill
also seeks to establish federal status for organizations that offer
treatment and supports for millions of poor and vulnerable persons with
mental and addiction disorders.

 

"We encourage mental health advocates nationwide to urge their members
of Congress to support the Excellence in Mental Health Act as well as
the Mental Health and Addiction Safety Net Equity Act. Both bills are
expected to shape the future of community behavioral health in our
nation," said Charles Ingoglia.

 

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a
not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,800 behavioral healthcare
organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental
illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly eight million adults,
children and families in communities across the country. The National
Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social,
psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings
help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and
lead productive lives. 

 

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