Volume VII, No.
3, April 10, 2008
Help May Be on the Way
In this issue
Newsbyte
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has
proposed regulations that merit the attention of mental health
advocates. The new rule will give states an option to use
Medicaid funds for home- and community-based services to
elderly recipients and people with disabilities without having
to obtain a federal waiver showing that the cost would be
no greater than institutional care. However, the rule also
places new limits that may reduce access to these services.
The deadline to comment is June 3, 2008.
On the legislative front, bipartisan bills in both houses
of Congress would delay controversial Medicaid regulations
until April 2009, for action by a new Administration. The
seven rules at issue will otherwise drastically reduce access
to rehabilitative and other services of great importance
to adults and children with mental disabilities. The Senate
version would also put a one-year hold on a harmful policy
directive that would limit efforts by some states to expand
SCHIP health coverage to uninsured children. An outpouring
of constituent support is needed.
On May 8th a congressional briefing will focus on the value
of effective school-based mental health programs in reauthorization
of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA). An impressive turnout will have a positive impact,
so please ask your lawmakers and their key staffers to attend.
Read more...
