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Governor's Proclamation: Minority Mental Health Month (July 2020) | CURRENT LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Bipartisan legislation that would include licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs), as well as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), as Medicare providers, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2021, HR 432, was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Representative John Katko (R-NY). This bipartisan legislation would require Medicare to finally recognize LMHCs as Medicare-eligible providers of covered behavioral health services to older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries. Legislative Session On Tuesday 2/9/2021 SB 82 Mental Health Diagnosis unanimously passed the full Senate on 3rd Reading - we are now half-way through the Legislative process in Indiana. For more information, please contact the ICA Legislative Chair Dale V. Wayman, Ph.D. at dale@drwayman.com |
ICA EFFORTS TOWARDS RACIAL INJUSTICE, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
PAST LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
AMHCA webinar: Medicare Grassroots Advocacy (5/13/20)-- an update on the Medicare legislation and guidance on what needs to happen now to include our bill in the next COVID-19 stimulus package.
Senate Bill 142:
Synopsis: Medicaid reimbursement for schools. Specifies services for which a school corporation may seek Medicaid reimbursement. Adds physical therapy to the list of services a school psychologist may refer a student. Allows school psychologists to make referrals to physical therapists for mandated school services. Effective: July 1, 2020.
AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION RELEASES 2020 POST-ELECTION ANALYSIS - 11/11/20
2020 has been a historic year— and this November, many Americans are looking to those in Congress and those in the White House to lead the country, protect the courts and make progress on issues like climate change, health care, racial justice, and a post-COVID economy.
The 2020 election determines who those leaders are, and not just in Congress or in the White House. With 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 13 gubernatorial seats up for grabs, more is at stake than ever.
See full document here: 1042020-gapp-aca-post-election-analysis.pdf
AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION ADVOCACY POWER HOURS
Rep. Mike Thompson, US Congressman -- Mental Health Access Improvement Act bill (HR945), Medicare coverage for licensed counselors
Dr. Matthew Fullen- Due to his research, 70% of practicing counselors had been impacted by the Medicare mental health coverage gap
Medicare is the primary insurance provider for approx. 60 million Americans* and the number of beneficiaries are expected to surpass 80 million by 2030** (*Kaiser Family Foundation, 2019; **Medicare Payment Advisory Commission)
Duane France, VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: LPMHC training programs, Mental Health Education Expansion Initative Phase VII 2020-2021 (https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/RFP_MH_Education_Expansion_Phase_VII.pdf)
ACA Advocacy Resources: https://www.counseling.org/government-affairs/advocacy-tips-tools; https://www.counseling.org/government-affairs/state-issues