A Brief overview from an article in the most recent issue of Psychatric News
As millions more people become eligible for Medicaid coverage in 2014 as a result of the new health care legislation some vital services for mental health and substance abuse consumers may be excluded.
Parity legislation may not apply to the new Medicaid program because some coverage, care coordination and housing support for example, have no counterpart in non-mental health related coverage.
There are some possible solutions.
1. Sates could be bared from restricting coverage. However, this is not likely to happen because of financial strains on the states and the anticipated fiscally conservative character of the new Congress.
2. The definition of the Medicaid essential benefits package could alleviate the shortfall. Thus, the final interpretation of the parity provision is crucial.
CALL TO ACTION - Contact your Senator Webb and Warner’s office. Tell them the unique services for mental health and substance abuse consumers must be protected by including them in the final interpretation of parity requirements.
Warner, Mark R. - 459A RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-2023 warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Contact
Webb, Jim - 248 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-4024 webb.senate.gov/contact.cfm
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