Because insurance coverage is critical to accessing mental health and substance use services, Mental Health America (MHA) advocates for expansive coverage policies, especially during this time of Medicaid unwinding in the states. MHA continues its longstanding commitment to achieving parity in coverage of mental health and substance use services and to improving the accuracy of provider directories and the adequacy of networks across payers. MHA recognizes the importance of innovation and advocates for access to telehealth and for a regulatory payment structure to encourage effective digital technology. MHA fights to remove barriers to accessing effective treatment for the person with mental health or substance use conditions, recognizing that treatment must be tailored to the person’s needs, not the payers’ restrictions. We recognize the importance of developing a well-trained workforce, especially providers who can effectively support children and young people. We promote deflection from law enforcement responses to crisis and non-coercive, non-carceral care that is person-centered, such as peer respites and mobile crisis teams.
- HR 3432 Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023 Remove in person requirement for telehealth visits for mental healthcare
- S. 3059 Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Providers Act (Sen. Bennet (D-CO), Tillis (R-NC) and Wyden (D-OR).
- S.923 Better Mental Healthcare for Americans Act
- Senate Finance marked up bill, Better Mental Health Care, Lower Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act (supporting network accuracy provisions and workforce provisions).
- Appropriations asks for an FDA neuroscience program to increase innovation.