The U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday released the upper chamber’s version of GOP spending and policy reforms that apply to Medicaid, along with several other items under its purview. At first glance, it appears that the Republican-majority Senate is starting off with a few more austere approaches to Medicaid eligibility and funding reforms in […]
In the early hours of Thursday morning, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act after approving an amendment intended to mollify opponents to the bill, especially on the Republican side of the aisle. The changes include moving up the rollout of federal work requirements for Medicaid, among other tax-related reforms. […]
The Republican-led House Committee on Energy and Commerce released budget reconciliation documents that show the GOP has walked back from direct cuts to Medicaid spending, as many in the health care world have feared. Instead, the documents released late on May 11 include several provisions that would eliminate spending on health care programs overseen by […]
A California lawmaker has introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that they describe as “comprehensive legislation to help tackle our nation’s mental health crisis.” Democratic Rep. Mark DeSaulnier has reintroduced the “Mental Health Matters Act,” a bill he ran in 2022 and cleared the House on a 220-to-205 vote two years ago, […]
A new bill in Congress would chip away at the Medicaid institution for mental diseases (IMD) exclusion for those with substance use disorder (SUD). Since its inception in 1965, the federal government has refused to cover services provided in IMDs and has not allowed such services to be covered by Medicaid. In later years, Medicaid […]
Prominent Democratic lawmakers released the Health Over Wealth Act Thursday — legislation meant to beef up the regulation of private equity investment in health care. The bill text specifically names “mental health or behavioral health” providers and opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Among several other requirements, it would require that private equity firms obtain licenses from […]
Federal lawmakers are taking another stab at increasing funding for behavioral health expenditures in the Medicaid program. A version of the Medicaid Bump Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate and Congress on March 12. The bill would create financial incentives for states to elevate spending on behavioral health beyond levels in 2019. Specifically, it […]
Federal lawmakers introduced a new bill that would loosen regulations on methadone prescribing. Legislators released the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. A bipartisan group announced the bill, saying it would be vital in expanding care for opioid use disorder (OUD). “This legislation lowers barriers to care […]
The $1.66 trillion omnibus funding bill touches nearly every aspect of the behavioral health industry. Advocates in the space weren’t shy about praising the bill even though it didn’t include some long-sought reforms. A quick tally of funding for the most germane items finds that the federal government is putting at least $10 billion into […]
Behavioral health reform efforts have a chance of passing during Congress’ lame-duck session. The final days of the legislative session include several must-move bills, according to experts with the law firm Polsinelli. Combined with a bipartisan interest in behavioral health reform, the environment on the Hill could be favorable to seeing key provisions clearing Congress. […]
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
