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Senate Finance Committee Parity Working Group Draft Legislation - 12/5/22

  • 1.  Senate Finance Committee Parity Working Group Draft Legislation - 12/5/22

    National Council Staff
    Posted 12-05-2022 16:25

    Dear Association Executives - The Senate Finance Committee recently released draft legislative text of the Mental Health Parity Improvements Act, which includes policies intended to improve mental health parity in Medicare and Medicaid and helping to put access to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services on par with physical health care. 

    In the draft are some key provisions:

    • Requiring Accurate, Updated, and Searchable Provider Directories in Medicaid
      • Codifies existing regulations requiring Medicaid managed care organizations to maintain updated provider directories that indicate if a provider is accepting new patients
    • Guidance on Partial Hospitalization Program Services for Medicare Beneficiaries with Substance Use Disorders
      • Requires the provision of guidance detailing the extent to which Medicaid beneficiaries with SUDs can receive partial hospitalization program services as well as other forms of Medicare-covered outpatient services
    • GAO Report on Disparities in Medicaid Payment Rates for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits
      • Requires a GAO report comparing Medicaid payment rates for behavioral health services and Medicaid or surgical services across a sample of states

    We have attached both the draft legislation and a summary chart of the full legislation package for your review and use.

    Next Steps:

    All five of the Senate Finance Committee Working Groups have released draft legislative text. We do not expect the Senate Finance Committee to hold a markup for this legislative proposal. We will keep you apprised of any additional information and/or momentum related to a possible legislative vehicle for viable pieces of the package.

    Thank you so much, please let us know if you have any questions.

    National Council Policy Team




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    Neal Comstock
    Director of Membership
    National Council
    NealC@TheNationalCouncil.org
    202 748-8793
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