In a letter signed by Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID), the Senate Committee on Finance requested information from behavioral health stakeholders as part of an effort to develop a bipartisan legislative package on behavioral health challenges before the end of the year.
This letter comes after the full Committee and the Health Subcommittee both held a series of hearings to identify potential policy solutions to combat the rapidly rising mental health crisis that has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates of anxiety and/or depression symptoms in adults have nearly quadrupled since the start of the pandemic. The Senate Finance Committee seeks input from stakeholders to improve access to health care services for Americans with mental health and substance use disorders, focusing on key areas of need as well as innovative financing and reimbursement mechanisms.
Key areas:
Strengthening Workforce
Increasing Integration, Coordination, and Access to Care
Ensuring Parity
Expanding Telehealth
Improving Access for Children and Young People
More information about the questions asked by the Committee can be found in the attached request for information below. Responses should be submitted to mentalhealthcare@finance.senate.gov by November 1, 2021.