Monday the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released language designed to improve enforcement of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Parity). The committee has been working on an omnibus mental health and substance use disorder for many months and the Parity language was the last language to be released.
News & Updates
Public Policy Updates
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Today the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will publish the long-anticipated rule moving SUD patient confidentiality from 42 CFR Part 2 to requirements similar to HIPAA.
Public Policy Updates
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The President signed the reconciliation legislation yesterday after a tortured journey through the legislative process. As you likely know, several US Senators had veto power over what was included in the final product. Since this unusual legislative process was used, there were also strict requirements that it address only budgetary issues. That made including policy changes difficult.
Public Policy Updates
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NAATP continually advocates for greater access to quality care for substance use disorder treatment for all Americans. One of the greatest opportunities to accomplish this is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Parity). As our members know all too well, that law has never been adequately enforced, so the promise of greater access to care is still far from a reality.
Public Policy Updates
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Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7666, the “Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well Being Act. NAATP is appreciative of the action taken by the House Energy and Commerce Committee to develop this bi-partisan legislation as well as the Representatives who supported the bill on the House Floor.
Public Policy Updates
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Today the U.S. Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the issues surrounding the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Parity). Chairperson Wyden and ranking member Crapo pledged to work on a bi-partisan basis to fully implement the law, passed in 2008.
Public Policy Updates
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The White House today released the President’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. In it he makes numerous recommendations that support various aspects of substance use disorder treatment.
Public Policy Updates
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In his State of the Union speech last night, President Biden included comments about substance use disorder solutions, despite the expected and necessary major focus on foreign affairs. NAATP appreciates the President’s call for Parity between access to care for substance use disorders and mental health and other medical conditions.
Public Policy Updates
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As NAATP continues to advocate for Parity Enforcement and Network Adequacy for addiction treatment services, we are supporting a survey on network adequacy produced with NORC at the University of Chicago, Mental Health Treatment and Research Institute (MHTRI) and the Bowman Family Foundation.
Public Policy Updates
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Today, HHS Departments of Labor and Treasury, released its report to Congress regarding insurance company compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The report details, as NAATP treatment providers know all too well, huge deficiencies and gaps in insurer compliance with the law.
Public Policy Updates
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Today the US House of Representatives passed the long-awaited “Build Back Better” legislation using a process called reconciliation. That process requires only a majority vote, bypassing the filibuster in the US Senate.
Public Policy Updates
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One of the provisions contained in the “Build Back Better” or reconciliation bill gives the Department of Labor the authority to fine insurance companies if they fail to comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Parity).
Public Policy Updates
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This week SAMHSA created the “Office of Recovery” after many years of advocacy in support by the field. The new office will focus on recovery programing for funding and will prioritize underserved populations and assuring equity for all segments of society.
Public Policy Updates
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The Biden-Harris Administration announced this past week that the U.S.
Public Policy Updates
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One of the most impactful public policy advances in the last 15 years for substance use disorder treatment was passage of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Parity). It was intended to eliminate discrimination by insurers against those with substance use disorder and mental health issues.
Public Policy Updates
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NAATP has learned the Biden administration is tapping Dr. Rahul Gupta as its top drug policy official, charging the former West Virginia public health commissioner with leading federal efforts to combat a spiraling addiction crisis.
Public Policy Updates
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The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers congratulates Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., on her appointment as the next Assistant Secretary for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Dr. Delphin-Rittmon was recently confirmed by the United States Senate to head the agency.
Public Policy Updates
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Today HHS Secretary, Xavier Becerra, along with Assistant Secretary Lavine and Acting Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (SAMHSA) Coderre, announced the Administration’s newly created Behavioral Health Coordinating Council.
Public Policy Updates
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The President signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act into law in March. It is the most recent COVID-19 legislation created to provide financial relief and economic stimulus to those impacted by the Coronavirus. The relief package is wide ranging and includes provisions that impact treatment programs.
Public Policy Updates
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Wednesday the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on 11 separate pieces of legislation designed to address the issues associated with opioids and fentanyl.