With the passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, proponents of health care reform took a significant step forward, however seeing the bill through to passage in its current language remains uncertain. It's as yet unknown when the Senate will vote on a version of the health care legislation debated in that chamber. If the Senate passes its bill, then House and Senate bills would have to be reconciled via conference committee into one document and voted on again. HR 3962 ensures that all health plans offered through the Health Insurance Exchange will be required to BOTH offer coverage of mental illness and substance use treatment AND do so in compliance with the new Wellstone-Domenici parity law.

NAMI national's letter of support for HR 3962

SUMMARY ON HR 3962's EFFECT ON MENTAL HEALTH COVERAGE

Title: To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, improved health care delivery, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Conyers, John, Jr. Co-Sponsors (83)

Latest Major Action: 1/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

June 2009. The criminalization of people with mental illness is a growing problem that devastates many members of our community. A study released this month in the journal Psychiatric Services shows that the prevalence of people with serious mental illness in jails is increasing. The study, which was presented June 1st at a Senate briefing featuring NAMI National board member Fred Frese, found that overall, 16% of jail inmates have a serious mental illness. Even more alarming, 31% of female jail inmates have a serious mental illness. These numbers suggest that up to 2 million jail bookings every year involve an individual with serious mental illness.

In light of this study, it is more important now than ever before to support programs that help people stay out of jail. This week, the House Appropriations committee approved the FY 2010 budget for Commerce, Justice and Science programs, which includes $12 million for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (MIOTCRA). MIOTCRA grants support communities working on crisis intervention teams (CIT), mental health courts, and similar programs that are proven to help break the cycle of incarceration.

The bill also includes $100 million in funding for the Second Chance Act, which supports re-entry programs to help people get the services and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society. The full House is expected to vote on the bill the week of June 15.

Act Now! Let your Representatives in the House know that people with mental illness should not be in jail. Write a letter today telling them to support funding for MIOTCRA and the Second Chance Act as part of the 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill.

Learn more by visiting the Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project web site to learn more about the study.

June 4, 2009. Addressing chronic diseases, such as mental illnesses and co-occurring addiction, must be a priority given the high costs associated with chronic diseases. At the same time, data showing the high co-occurrence of mental illness and chronic physical health conditions indicates the vital need for funding to support collaborative relationships between primary care and specialty mental health providers such as community mental health centers.

S 1136, introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), would authorize a new $250 million, 4-year, Medicaid demonstration program in up to 10 States to improve the health outcomes and satisfaction of individuals with chronic mental illness, "such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major clinical depression, or such conditions with co-occurring substance abuse disorders." States would also have the option to expand their demonstration to other populations with mental illness or substance use disorders. Providers such as CMHCs would serve as the care coordination and managing entity.

S 1136 provides a unique opportunity to coordinate care for individuals with mental illnesses within the Medicaid program. NAMI supports this legislation and urges that it be part of comprehensive health reform.