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From CBHC (Colorado Behavioral Health Council) 6/22/17:
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the Senate version of the AHCA, entitled the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, see link below. As we feared, this bill, if enacted, would be a disaster for mental health and substance use disorder care - with deep cuts to Medicaid and the ability for states to waive essential health benefits (including mental health and addiction benefits) - among many other consequences for cost and coverage.
AHCA Senate Version 6.22.17 pdf
As you can imagine, now that the Senate's version of the AHCA is finally public, Senators are facing renewed pressure regarding the details of the plan. Now is a prime opportunity to join others around the country and in Colorado by contacting your Senator and letting them know you oppose the AHCA.
In Colorado, Senator Bennett has voiced strong opposition to the bill and the process. Senator Cory Gardner has been included in the working group of 13 men negotiating the details of the bill, but has not yet voiced his position on the bill that was released publicly. He needs to hear from you and your colleagues! Please call his office today:
| From National Council for Behavioral Health 6/23/17: |
On Thursday, the Senate released a draft of its health care bill to gut Medicaid and repeal the Affordable Care Act with the aim of holding a vote by the end of next week.
Despite earlier claims that the Senate would create a more "generous" bill, their proposal goes even further to destroy Medicaid and Medicaid expansion. The bill is likely to be amended and scheduled for a vote next week. Your voice is key to stopping the passage of this devastating bill that slashes Medicaid for millions of people living with mental illness and addiction. The National Council is urging all members to speak up and make sure your voices are heard in the Senate opposing this critical bill. As Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) told National Council advocates on Wednesday, "This is the moment, give it everything you've got".
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Overall, the Senate's proposal maintains the major provisions in the
House-passed American Health Care Act (AHCA)
. However, there are a few notable changes related to behavioral health:
- Decreases Per Capita Cap Growth Rate: Like the AHCA, the Senate bill would fundamentally change Medicaid financing from an open-ended federal and state matching formula into per capita allotments or block grants (as chosen by each state). However, the Senate bill reduces Medicaid funding further by tying the per capita cap growth rate to inflation, a slower annual growth rate than what was proposed in the House bill.
- Ends Medicaid Expansion Over Three Years: The federal government would begin phasing out the enhanced federal matching rate for Medicaid expansion starting in 2021. This move would make Medicaid expansion much more expensive for the states, likely leading them to end their expansion programs.
- Creates Small, Inadequate Opioid Fund: The nominally titled "Support for State Response to Opioid Crisis" fund provides one-time monies totaling $2 billion for 2018 for unspecified "substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services for individuals with mental or substance use disorders." This fund does even not come close to the funding level needed to address opioid addiction, particularly in light of the huge coverage losses that would result from this bill.
- Loosens IMD Rule: Allows for Medicaid payment for services provided in psychiatric hospitals for up to 30 days, not to exceed 90 days in one year. As above, this provision does nothing to make up for the fact millions of people with behavioral health disorders will be left without health insurance should this bill become law.
- State ACA Waivers: The bill incentivizes states to apply for 1332 waivers that would allow them to waive key protections of the Affordable Care Act. The provisions include the requirement for insurance plans to cover essential health benefits (including mental health and addiction services) and protection for individuals with pre-existing conditions
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