QUOTABLE
“The addition of Kentucky and Michigan to the CCBHC Medicaid demonstration will lower barriers to access and allow more people in more communities to receive the treatment and services they need, like medication-assisted treatment, as they cope with the disruption caused by the pandemic. By extending the demonstration to Kentucky and Michigan, Congress has acknowledged the program’s importance and the need to continue this effort, which has expanded access to high-quality addiction and mental health treatment.” – Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing regarding the expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration.
HHS Opens Combined Medicare/Medicaid/CHIP (Phase 2) Portal
In part due to the National Council’s ongoing advocacy efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has opened the Medicaid/CHIP (Phase 2) portal to include additional eligible providers who received funding through the Medicare (Phase 1) General Distribution. Now there is only ONE PORTAL open to ALL eligible providers, regardless of payer mix, with an application deadline of Friday, August 28. These eligible providers include providers that bill Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, or CHIP who have not already received 2% of their total patient revenue from the Provider Relief Fund. This includes providers who billed Medicare and: received an automatic payment from the Medicare General Distribution Fund, but who did not yet receive a second payment; rejected the initial payment from the General Distribution Fund; or missed the initial June 3 deadline to apply for funds. For more information on eligibility and the application process, see the National Council’s “Rules of the Road” or the Health Resources and Services Administration’s step-by-step guide.
National Council Launches CCBHC Success Center
The National Council’s new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Success Center offers a variety of free and paid training and educational opportunities, such as learning collaboratives, peer sharing programs and on-demand resources for CCBHCs and other stakeholders interested in advancing the CCBHC model. To ensure financial sustainability on the ground, the National Council offers information and technical assistance to states interested in pursuing the model or learning about the CCBHC experience of other states. We welcome inquiries from Medicaid agency officials, behavioral health department officials, governors’ offices, state legislators, and research or advocacy groups focused on state policy.
Meet with Your Federal Legislators During the Recess
As Members of Congress head back to their states/districts for the August recess, with Senators prepared for a 24-hour notice to return for further COVID-19 relief negotiations, now is the perfect time to meet with them virtually. Check out the National Council’s new guide, Summer of Advocacy: a Toolkit for Meeting with your Members of Congress Virtually to learn how. The guide covers advocacy basics from hosting a virtual site visit with your legislators to scheduling virtual meetings with legislative staff with everything you’ll need to get started. Take the time this summer to join the National Council and your colleagues across the country to call for more robust supports for behavioral health providers.
ADVOCACY CORNER
Create Your Own Voter Registration Program. As the November election approaches, learn more about how your organization can create, launch and sustain a successful voter registration and voter education program in 2020. Download the National Council’s Get Out the Vote 2020 Toolkit today.
HAPPENINGS ON THE HILL
House Leadership Announces Floor Schedule for September. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) this week announced the September floor schedule for the House of Representatives. The House will return to Washington after Labor Day.
Guest Author
Policy Associate