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Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act

USA118th CongressS-923| Senate 
| Updated: 3/22/2023
Michael F. Bennet

Michael F. Bennet

Democratic Senator

Colorado

Cosponsors (2)
Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act This bill modifies programs and payment rates for behavioral health services under Medicare, Medicare Advantage, the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For example, the bill provides for specialized payment under the Medicare physician fee schedule of certain mental health and substance use disorder services that are integrated into primary care practice, such as preventive screenings and telehealth treatment. It also establishes and provides funds for a Medicaid demonstration program to provide such services to children in a variety of settings, including schools and hospitals. The bill also requires Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug benefit plans to offer mental health and substance use disorder benefits in a manner that is no more restrictive than other benefits with respect to financial and treatment requirements (i.e., parity in benefits). Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must audit state Medicaid and CHIP programs with respect to parity requirements and post its related enforcement actions on its website; the bill provides funds for these purposes.
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Timeline
Mar 22, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Mar 22, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • March 22, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 22, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Health

Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act

USA118th CongressS-923| Senate 
| Updated: 3/22/2023
Better Mental Health Care for Americans Act This bill modifies programs and payment rates for behavioral health services under Medicare, Medicare Advantage, the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). For example, the bill provides for specialized payment under the Medicare physician fee schedule of certain mental health and substance use disorder services that are integrated into primary care practice, such as preventive screenings and telehealth treatment. It also establishes and provides funds for a Medicaid demonstration program to provide such services to children in a variety of settings, including schools and hospitals. The bill also requires Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug benefit plans to offer mental health and substance use disorder benefits in a manner that is no more restrictive than other benefits with respect to financial and treatment requirements (i.e., parity in benefits). Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must audit state Medicaid and CHIP programs with respect to parity requirements and post its related enforcement actions on its website; the bill provides funds for these purposes.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 22, 2023
Introduced in Senate
Mar 22, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • March 22, 2023
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 22, 2023
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Michael F. Bennet

Michael F. Bennet

Democratic Senator

Colorado

Cosponsors (2)
Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)

Finance Committee

Health

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted