What's Going On in Capitol Hill?
The American Rescue Plan Act
The President signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. The National Council for Behavioral Health did a detailed breakdown of all the behavioral health programs and relevant Medicaid provisions here. These resources will be next for SAMHSA to distribute, and some governors are already talking about how they will spend this money. As you begin conversations with your Mental Health Commissioner about the December resources, you can begin laying the groundwork for these dollars as well.
In addition to mental health and addiction funds, there are Medicaid provisions summarized here. Affiliates may want to begin conversations with state Medicaid directors as well as mental health commissioners about pursuing options to increase state match through mobile crisis and home and community-based services (which include rehabilitation services for mental health). Advocates may also want to encourage the state to adopt an option allowing expanded coverage for postpartum healthcare and ensuring that the coverage includes accessible mental health services.
It is important to note that in addition to healthcare resources, the American Rescue Plan Act includes significant education dollars that can be used for school mental health workforce and services and other school needs. Affiliates who provide mental health services in schools may want to work with their districts and state education agencies on the allocation of these funds.
This article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities describes some of the educational funding. As they note, the bill allows Local Educational Authorities and states to use the resources on multiple needs. This piece gives an estimate of new per-pupil funding and sets forth the categories of needs that can be met, including mental health services. Affiliates are encouraged to ensure that their districts and state education agencies are aware of local needs for mental health services in schools.
Upcoming Legislation
Congress is beginning to work on FY 2022 annual appropriations. MHA is focusing our efforts on several priorities, including prevention and early intervention (school-based mental health) and implementation of a new crisis system through 988. We are very grateful to affiliates who have joined us on calls with Congressional offices. MHA leaders around the country are incredible sources of information for Congressional staff, and they greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Congress is also moving forward introducing and re-introducing bills in key areas, such as telemental health, equity, parity, and more. MHA is supporting these bills and will continue to press for their passage. We will provide updates on pending bills and ways to advocate for our priorities for our Virtual Hill Day.
The House of Representatives has recently created a new bipartisan working group on mental health and addiction, and the group is considering a new package of mental health and addiction bills. MHA will be working to ensure that its 2021 legislative priorities are included in this bill.
