In late November, Vibrant joined a coalition of more than 40 national organizations urging the Senate Finance Committee to advance the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost, and Extenders Act. This important legislation will strengthen our country’s behavioral health workforce, improve access to quality care, promote behavioral health integration into primary care, and expand access to Medicaid for people in jails and prisons. 

As the United States has seen dramatic increases in mental health and substance use disorders, this bill is needed now more than ever. It will strengthen the behavioral health workforce by expanding eligibility for bonus payments to non-physician behavioral health professionals in healthcare shortage areas. The legislation will also reinforce the need for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics by defining the model in Medicaid programs. 

According to CMS data, telehealth has been disproportionately used for behavioral healthcare, with 43% of Medicare beneficiaries using the technology for mental health care. This bill will modify tracking requirements in Medicare’s telehealth usage and requires updated guidance on access to telehealth for those with limited English proficiency. 

Vibrant endorses the Better Mental Health Care, Lower Drug Cost, and Extenders Act because it is an essential and necessary step toward improving our nation’s behavioral health system.

Read the full letter here.