Unite for Behavioral Health Biweekly Advocacy Webinar Series Webinar #8 National Council for Behavioral Health April 26, 2017
Webinar Logistics We recommend calling in on your telephone Phone:1-213-929-4212 Access Code: 291-767-755 For audio support: 888-259-8414 To ask a question, please use the questions dialogue box on the right hand side of the screen.
This week in Washington Draft text of revised health reform bill released. Health reform through regulation begins to take shape. Congress focuses on funding government for remainder of FY2017. White House nominates Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use. National Council continues registration for Hill Day 2017!
Revised AHCA Draft UNCHANGED: Draft maintains key provisions of AHCA: Repeals Medicaid expansion option for new states Repeals enhanced match for Medicaid coverage up to 138% of poverty Converts Medicaid to a per capita capped or block grant system Cuts over $800 billion from Medicaid over ten years NEW: States can now determine for themselves: Definition of essential health benefits (2020) Whether to impose increased premiums for uninsured individuals (2019) Coverage rates based on individual s age and health status (2019)
What does this mean? Waiving essential health benefits States could remove or alter required health services from plans in their states, including mental health and addiction care. Waiving protections based on health and age States could allow insurers to charge people w/ preexisting conditions higher premiums, pushing some out of affordable coverage. States could allow insurers to charge older individuals more for coverage than younger people, again pushing some out of affordable coverage.
Does it have the votes? Remains to be seen. Disagreements on reform still remain between a divided Republican party. Hardline conservatives want more done to repeal the tenets of the Affordable Care Act. Moderate members want to ensure health coverage for those in need. There is no timeline yet for moving the bill.
Reform through regulation Trump Administration can implement large scale changes to the Affordable Care Act without the use and assistance of Congress. Reforming Medicaid through CMS state waivers: Imposing work requirements Implementing various cost-sharing measures like premium payments and emergency room copayments. Redefining the Essential Health Benefits, including mental health and substance use treatment. Revise annual open enrollment period for insurance coverage
Government To Do List Government funding expires this Friday, April 28 FY2018 must be settled by October 1, 2017 Debt ceiling set to expire this year Health care changes still needed Other proposals include: tax reform, infrastructure, border wall, national security There remains significant uncertainty, but our advocacy efforts have only just begun.
Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz has been nominated to serve as the first ever HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. Served as Chief Medical Officer at SAMHSA from 2013-2015. Currently serving as Chief Medical Officer at Rhode Island s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Senate confirmation is needed for this position.
Our message remains Medicaid is a key coverage source for people living with mental illness or addiction. Please preserve Americans coverage of mental health & addiction care. Advocacy goals for Unite4BH Campaign: Raise awareness of the importance of Medicaid for this population Highlight broad support for Medicaid Make lots of noise!
1. Write Letters and Call Congress Click here to take action today!
2. Spread the Word The AHCA would gut Medicaid coverage for our nation s most vulnerable while shifting the burden of $880 billion to states. Take action and protect the recent gains made in behavioral health. #Unite4BH https://www.thenationalcounci l.org/policy-action/nationalcouncil-act-now/ AHCA guts Medicaid, shifts $880 billion burden to states, and squanders gains for #mentalhealth and #addictions. Protect Medicaid #Unite4BH. Here s how: https://www.thenationalcouncil.or g/policy-action/national-councilact-now/
Stay Engaged Next Advocacy Webinar Wednesday, May 10th 3 PM ET Register here.
Questions? Rebecca Farley Vice President, Policy and Advocacy RebeccaF@thenationalcouncil.org Michael Petruzzelli Manager, Policy and Advocacy MichaelP@thenationalcouncil.org